The Peterborough Lakers kicked off the 2014 Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season with a victory defeating the Brampton Excelsiors 11-4 in front of over 3,000 fans at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Josh Wasson (1 G) opened the scoring for the Lakers just over one minute into regulation, with the recently acquired Aaron Wilson netting his first goal in a Peterborough jersey to extend the lead to 2-0 only five minutes in. Brampton would answer Peterborough’s early start, as goals from rookie Dylan Webster and former Brooklin Redmen Matt Holman tied the game at 2-2 heading into the second period.
Peterborough began the second frame in similar fashion, again extending their lead to two within the first five minutes of the period off goals from Scott Evans (1 G, 1 A) and Matt Crough (1 G). The Lakers defense would hold the Excelsiors scoreless in the second, as Chad Culp (2 G, 1 A) and Mark Steenhuis added to the lead gaining a 6-2 advantage.
The Excelsiors struck first in the final period as former Laker Pat Saunders cut the lead to 6-3; however, Peterborough would respond with an offensive tear scoring five unanswered goals. Holman added his second of the game for Brampton with slightly over the one minute remaining in the game to no avail as Peterborough would walk away with the 11-4 win.
Steenhuis led the Lakers to victory with a hat-trick performance, including a pair of shorthanded tallies in the third period, adding three assists for six points. Andrew Suitor, who was sidelined during the 2013 MSL campaign, posted four points (1 G, 3 A) in his return. Wilson had one goal and one assist in his Peterborough debut, while Adam Jones had one assist in his first game as a Laker.
For Brampton, Holman (2 G, 1 A) and Saunders (1 G, 2 A) each registered three points, while Webster had a strong rookie showing with two points (1 G, 1 A).
The Excelsior offense was dismal on the night, scoring just two goals in the final 45 minutes of regulation. Despite a quiet performance by the Brampton front end, Peterborough goaltender Tyler Carlson did not ease such worries making 43 saves in the win.
In his first game for the Excelsiors since being acquired from the Oakville Rock, goalie Tye Belanger turned aside 49 of 60 shots in a losing effort.
Peterborough will play their first road game of the season Saturday, May 31 when they take on the defending Mann Cup champion Six Nations Chiefs at 7 pm Brampton has time to bounce back from a season opening loss and will look to start anew Wednesday, June 4 at 8 pm versus the Brooklin Redmen.
