The Six Nations Chiefs were particularly busy in a relatively quiet week of Major Series Lacrosse action, going 2-1 in three games during Week 4.
Peterborough’s 15-9 mid-week win over Six Nations not only extended the Chiefs’ longest winless skid since 2011, it also marked just the third pointless game of Cody Jamieson’s MSL career.
The 2013 Mann Cup MVP rebounded from a rare scoreless performance with a vengeance, leading all scorers with five points (2 G, 3 A) in a 7-5 win over Oakville while notching the game-winning goal. Jamieson continued his hot hand in Six Nations’ 8-7 win over Kitchener-Waterloo, posting five points (1 G, 4 A) including assisting Jeff Shatller’s early third period tally that would eventually clinch the victory.
Jeff Shattler notched 13 points during Week 4 action, bringing his total to 20 (9 G, 11 A) in five games since joining Six Nations. Shattler and Jamieson (6 G, 14 A, 20 PTS) have established an already undeniable chemistry over the course of their five games as teammates, trailing Roger Vyse (3 G, 21 A) for the Chiefs’ scoring lead. Vyse impressed in the loss to Peterborough with four assists as the lefty continues to lead the league in helpers.
The low-scoring defensive battle between Six Nations and Oakville included a goaltending duel between Evan Kirk and Nick Rose. Kirk made 25 saves on 30 shots en route to earning the victory for the Chiefs, while Rose added to his league-leading 186 saves turning aside 47 of 54 shots in the loss.
Peterborough began Week 4 in unfortunate fashion, seeing their record fall from 4-1 to 1-4 due to a league ruling regarding the play of an ineligible Scott Evans. The Lakers were able to improve their tarnished record with back-to-back wins over Brooklin and Six Nations.
Mark Steenhuis (8 G, 3 A) and Aaron Wilson (5 G, 6 A) were on fire in Week 4, each racking up 11 points in two games. Steenhuis’ hat-trick goal versus Brooklin proved the game-winner, as the Lakers’ star leads all MSL scorers with 31 points (18 G, 13 A) in seven games.
Wilson’s recent week gives the former K-W Kodiak 19 points (9 G, 10 A) since joining Peterborough, behind only Steenhuis and fellow Laker newcomer Adam Jones (9 G, 11 A, 20 PTS) for the team lead. Jones himself had a breakout week with nine points (4 G, 5 A) in Peterborough’s two victories.
Kitchener-Waterloo’s loss to Six Nations featured impressive performances from Jordan Critch (3 G, 2 A) and Dhane Smith (2 G, 3 A). Smith, a prototype transitional player who is integral both defensively and offensively for the Kodiaks, has quietly climbed to second in the scoring charts trailing Steenhuis with 26 points (12 G, 14 A).
Brooklin’s Shawn Williams and Peterborough’s Shawn Evans have displayed the playmaking abilities that have cemented both as cornerstones of their respective squads. Williams had five assists in Brooklin’s loss to Peterborough, his first appearance since June 5. Evans, who was absent from the lineup versus Brooklin, led all scorers with nine points (1 G, 8 A) in the Lakers’ defeat of the Chiefs. Despite a limited number of games played by both, Evans appearing in four games while Williams has dressed just three, the veterans sit tied for second in the MSL assist column with 15.
