Oakvllle @ Peterborough – 8:00pm
The Rock are coming into Peterborough on a high after their first win of the season on Monday over Brampton, putting them (for now) solidly in 5th place. The 3rd place Lakers will remain in 3rd place (for now) after their forfeiture appeal was denied this week by the OLA. Peterborough is better than a 3rd place team and will defeat the Rock easily.
The Lakers will count on Tyler Carlson in goal for this game, a former starter that has had to take a back seat since Matt Vinc was acquired. Davide DiRuscio will back up Carlson and fans not need be concerned if he has to step in. DiRuscio has played only one game this season but fared well against the Chiefs. Nick Rose will start for Oakville. Rose has played nearly every minute for the Rock so far this season, boasting a decent 8.78 GAA. Carlson’s GAA is even better at 7.69.
Mark Steenhuis leads the offence for Peterborough with 55 points, while Stephan Leblanc leads the Rock with 32. Defensively, the Lakers are led by Scott Self and Darryl Gibson, two veterans that are counted on each game to provide leadership to the Lakers young defensemen. Neither Self nor Gibson are scorers, but each night they help prevent the opposition from scoring. Oakville’s defense is made of young players who are still learning the ropes of this fast paced league.
The Lakers are hosting their annual Kids Night, with a tailgate party starting at 5:30 featuring activities, bouncy castles, free ice cream, free face painting, a magician, and player cards for sale. The event is a fundraiser for the local Five Counties Children’s Centre.
Oakville is missing the Noble brothers and Jordan MacIntosh with Team Canada at the FIL World Championships in Denver, which start today. Peterborough is without John Grant, Adam Jones, and Matt Vinc.
Brooklin @ Brampton – 8:00pm
First versus worst. Brooklin is sitting comfortably in first place with 22 points after a 12-7 win over KW on Wednesday. Brampton sits in last place with only four points, only two of those coming off a legitimate win. This game could get ugly as a frustrated Brampton squad has to face the most high powered offence in the MSL.
Shayne Jackson still leads the charge for the Redmen, and despite missing Wednesday’s game is still leading their scoring. Rookies Dan Linter and Curtis Knight are having the best rookie seasons anyone has seen in years. Captain Derek Suddons, a defenseman, has suited up for all 12 of Brooklin’s games and has chipped in with seven points.
Brampton is led offensively by Mike Burke and Joe Resetarits. Acquired from the Lakers, Pat Saunders has been a offensive gift when he plays, sitting fourth in team scoring with 11 points in five games. Brampton would love to have Dan Dawson back this year. The Excelsiors never seem to play well when he’s not in the lineup, and this whole season has been a testament to that. The NLL Champions Cup MVP is a leader for the Excelsiors both on and off the floor.
Anthony Cosmo always gives Brampton a chance when he’s in net, as he should be for a big contest against Brooklin. However, the support in front of him is not enough to make a difference. With Mike Poulin playing Wednesday, Zack Higgins should start in goal for Brooklin.
Brooklin will be missing Cam Holding to the World Championships, and Brampton will be missing Kyle Rubisch.
