The Peterborough Lakers lead the league, but the MSL is so tight, the rankings could go either way.
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Peterborough Lakers (7-3)
The Lakers are currently first place in MSL standings and are in the midst of a four game winning streak. With many key players from last year’s Mann Cup winning squad absent from the 2013 Lakers roster, Peterborough has had to depend on some new additions to remain a powerhouse in the league. The Lakers stand out above the rest of the MSL because of how dominant they can be at times. This dominance was on display in their 14-13 Thursday night victory over the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks, when Peterborough outscored the Kodiaks 5-1 in the final frame to capture a come from behind win.
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Six Nations Chiefs (6-1-1)
The Chiefs hold the best record in the league at 6-1, placing them just one point out of first place statistically despite having played two less games than the Lakers. Six Nations’ roster is filled with talent in all areas and has little if any weaknesses. The Chiefs will face a big test in the near future, as they travel to Peterborough Thursday, June 27 in a battle for MSL superiority. The Chiefs won the previous meeting between the two 12-9 at home.
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Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks (3-6)
After a disappointing loss to the struggling Brampton Excelsiors, KW were able to bounce back with two solid performances this week. The Braves were able to outlast the Brooklin Redmen in a back and forth affair for an 8-7 win. Though the team could not continue their win streak versus Peterborough, KW has proven that their young roster is not to be taken lightly. This week also saw the return of Ryan Benesch, who posted four goals and four assists in just two games and will bolster the Braves lineup moving forward.
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Brooklin Redmen (5-3-1)
The Redmen suffered a pair of one goal losses this week, dropping a road game against KW 8-7, then losing 7-6 at home to the Oakville Rock in overtime. Despite losing back to back games, it is by no means time to push the panic button in Brooklin. The Redmen’s schedule next week includes games against the Rock and Lakers, providing a chance to get back into the winning column as well as prove themselves as a top contender moving forward.
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Oakville Rock (2-5)
The future looks bright in Oakville based on their last two outings. After narrowly missing out on upsetting the Lakers on home turf, the Rock were able to defeat the Redmen on the road in overtime. Oakville will only improve as the young roster continues to gain experience.
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Brampton Excelsiors (2-7)
The 2013 season has been an unsteady one in Brampton thus far. While wins and losses can be analyzed, the main issue that stands out with the Excelsiors squad is the inconsistency of their roster night in and night out. New head coach Clem D’Orazio has been forced to insert numerous players into his lineup, with over thirty different players suiting up for the Excels this season. Only four players on the team (Joe Resetarits, Chris Corbeil, Mark White, Spencer Janes) have dressed in all nine games. Brampton will need find some form of consistency in order to turn this season around.
