Peterborough Lakers (1-4)*(4-1)**
W 12-11 over Oakville
The Lakers were the only MSL team with just one game during Week 3, earning a 12-11 overtime win over Oakville. The victory, which improved the Lakers record to 4-1, currently stands as the team’s only win of the season after a recent league ruling forced the Lakers’ to forfeit their first three wins of the season over Brampton, Oakville, and Brooklin.
The decision stems from Scott Evans being included in the Lakers’ lineup despite being ruled ineligible. Evans was issued a one-game suspension for his involvement in a post-regulation scuffle with Brooklin’s Steve Priolo after Peterborough was bounced from the 2013 MSL playoffs, a punishment which was to be served this season. The Lakers coaching staff claimed to be unaware of the suspension, citing a communication error between the league and the organization and has indicated plans to appeal the ruling.
With the forfeited wins, Peterborough’s record drops to 1-4, putting them in a tie with a winless Brampton squad who earned their first two points of the season as a result of the Lakers’ recent punishment.
Brooklin Redmen (5-0)*(4-1)**
W 14-12 over Kitchener-Waterloo
W 8-6 over Six Nations
Brooklin continued their early season success with a pair of wins. After defeating the Kodiaks in a back-and-forth home floor affair, the Redmen were victorious on the road versus the Chiefs in the first meeting between the teams since the 2013 MSL Finals.
With Peterborough’s 14-10 June 5 win over Brooklin forfeited, the Redmen’s record improves to 5-0 putting the squad in first place. The early June Lakers-Redmen showdown was the setting which prompted the MSL to investigate regarding Evans’ ineligible status, after Brooklin coach Wayne Colley expressed concern when Evans received a slashing major in the final seconds of the game.
Brooklin will face Peterborough Wednesday, June 18 in what was previously slated to be a battle for first place.
Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks (3-2)
L 14-12 to Brooklin
W 11-7 over Brampton
W 9-8 over Oakville
The Kodiaks were able to snap a two-game losing streak, defeating a struggling Brampton squad before capturing an overtime victory versus Oakville Monday, June 16. The team has the remainder of the week off until a pivotal early season match-up with the Six Nations Chiefs Sunday, June 22, as the squads are currently tied for second place.
Six Nations Chiefs (3-3)
L 13-12 to Oakville
W 9-6 over Brampton
L 8-6 to Brooklin
The defending Mann Cup champions currently sit at an even 3-3 record after going 1-2 in Week 3 action. Colin Doyle, who led the team in regular season scoring during 2013, has yet to suit up for the Chiefs in the new year. Six Nations recently received a notable boost to their offense with the debuts of reigning Mann Cup MVP Cody Jamieson as well as off-season acquisition Jeff Shattler, as the two combined for 19 points versus Brampton and Brooklin.
Oakville Rock (2-2)*(1-3)**
W 13-12 over Six Nations
L 12-11 to Peterborough
L 9-8 to Kitchener-Waterloo
Oakville was a beneficiary of Peterborough’s forfeited victories, as their record improves to .500 over four games. The Rock have battled for every inch thus far, upsetting Six Nations 13-12 while falling to both Peterborough and Kitchener-Waterloo in overtime. Oakville’s 9-7 season opening loss to Peterborough, which was forfeited, marks the only Rock match-up that has been decided by more than one goal.
Brampton Excelsiors (1-3)*(0-4)**
L 9-6 to Six Nations
L 11-7 to Kitchener-Waterloo
The Excelsiors continue to struggle, but now have company at the bottom of the MSL standings alongside the newly 1-4 Lakers. Brampton has a considerable gap in scheduling to rebound from current woes, with their next game being Thursday, June 26 when they host Kitchener-Waterloo.
* – Current record including Peterborough’s forfeited wins.
** – Record before forfeit ruling.
