The Brooklin Redmen (4-1) will look to bounce back after a close 7-4 loss against the Peterborough Lakers and regain sole possession of first place in Major Series Lacrosse.
The Redmen will clash with the Brampton Excelsiors (1-4) on Wednesday night. Despite the Excelsiors’ losing record,the squad has competed with some of the top teams early in the 2013 season.
No shockers in Brooklin as once again Shawn Williams is leading the black and red in scoring. The soon to be 39-year-old has 7 goals, 19 assists for 26 points in seven games. Williams is tied for third in points and sits second in assists among all MSL scorers.
Accompanying Williams in the scoring parade is Derek Hopcroft (6G,11A), Gavin Prout (3G,11A) and Kiel Matisz (3G,7A) who have already hit the double digit marks in points early in the 2013 season.
Prout returns to the Redmen after being traded for Stephen Hoar and Toronto defender Mike Hobbins in an offseason move. With Williams and Prout reunited, the duo will become a offensive force to be reckoned with.
Making a major impact in his first MSL season is Scarborough,ON native Mike Triolo as he has found the back of the cage two times and added six helpers for eight points in just five games. Standing at a monstrous 6’7, the Toronto Beaches Jr. A product has become a big target for Brooklin playmakers such as Williams.
Zack Higgins returns to the Redmen cage after a solid rookie campaign with the club, this time as a starter between the cage. In just five games, Higgins as played 240 minutes while registering a 7.75 goals against average, a league best
.795 save percentage and posting a 3-1 record.
As Brooklin looks to make a championship run, the Brampton Excelsiors are in the midst of a rebuilding stage. With a core group of veterans surrounded by skilled youngsters, new head coach Clem D’Orazio has turned a new page in the historic Brampton Excelsiors franchise.
Leading the way for the Excels is 2011 OLA Junior A Player of the year Mike Burke. The Caledon, ON native has scored 10 times while adding 9 assists for a team best 19 points. Closely behind is Buffalo,NY native Joe Resetarits with 15 points (8G,7A). The UAlbany grad has transitioned well into the indoor game and is becoming one of America’s most elite box lacrosse players.
The goaltending situation in Brampton is not as clear as it is in Brooklin. Four netminders have dressed in the maroon and gold in 2013 including Anthony Cosmo, Scotty Komer, Ryan Masters and rookie Ian Duffy. Registering the teams only win is 12 year National Lacrosse League veteran Cosmo. Komer and Masters have been charged losses while Ajax,ON native Duffy was brought into the third period in a close 13-10 loss to Oakville.
