Brooklin @ Peterborough – 8:00pm
Brooklin stated their intentions to host the Mann Cup this week in acquiring Mike Poulin from the KW Kodiaks along with Mike Teeter. In exchange, KW received Steve Fryer, Joel Williams, and Mike Melnychenko, who the Redmen will miss when playing the Lakers. Melnychenko had four of his six goals this season versus the Lakers. Poulin has not yet won a Mann Cup and he will be hungry to bring one to his new team, a prize they haven’t won since 2000.
Zack Higgins is expected to start in net on Thursday as Wayne Colley rotates his goalies, so the Lakers wont have to face the Poulin Wall just yet. Steve Priolo is expected to make his 2014 debut for the Redmen as well. For the Lakers, expect to see big games from Matt Vinc, who leaves next week for the world field lacrosse championships, and Mark Steenhuis, who is benefitting from an increased offensive role this year and leading the league with 44 points.
Six Nations @ Brampton – 8:00pm
Brampton’s coming off an 11-4 loss to the Redmen on Wednesday night, a game in which they started well and even led 2-1 after the first period. Having all star goaltender Anthony Cosmo back provided a morale boost in the Excelsiors win over KW last week, their first of the season.
However, Brampton’s issues go far deeper than just one goaltender (like having five new players in their lineup last night) and it will take more time before they are a competitive team again. Six Nations should have no trouble beating up on the defeated Excelsiors. Evan Kirk has been stellar for the Chiefs this season and is making a statement that he wants to win another Mann Cup.
Jeff Shattler has been on a scoring tear all summer and Roger Vyse has joined him on top of the Six Nations scoring chart, so expect to see big games from them as they try to catch Steenhuis for the scoring lead.
