Let's go back to Sunday, shall we, where the Whitby Warriors found themselves locked in a tight battle with the Orillia Kings, a game that ended in a second consecutive 7-6 loss for the Warriors, resulting in a bit of a tumble down the standings....
2008 Warrior Bench Staff
Tuesday, October 30th, 2007Warrior President Mark Brown is pleased to announce the new 2008 Warrior Bench and management staff:
General Manager - Ed Derks
Head Coach - Corny Derks
Assistant Coaches - Reg Andres & Ryan Harris
Mark also announced that the Warriors Annual General Meeting is Wednesday November 21 7:30 pm Centennial Building Centre St Whitby and all are welcome to attend.
Warriors window closed
Majority of roster headed for graduationafter getting ousted by Six Nations
WHITBY -- In the end, it was just not meant to be for the Whitby Warriors and their pursuit of a Minto Cup this season.
Yet another year came to a close in disappointing fashion Sunday after a 16-8 loss to the Six Nations Arrows eliminated the Warriors from the post-season, but more notably ended the junior lacrosse careers of all but eight players from this year's roster.
In each of the five games against the Arrows, the Warriors came dragging out of the gate, and were only able to recover from that once. And it turned into a 13-9 victory in Game 4 Friday in Whitby to extend the series, albeit briefly.
That, in Warriors coach Jeff McComb's eyes, was the difference in the series...
Read the rest of this Shawn Cayley story here at newsdurhamregion.com
Game 5 boxscoreWarriors down two games
By Shawn Cayley, newsdurhamregion.com
WHITBY -- Another lacklustre start to a game has left the Whitby Warriors in
a rather uncomfortable position.
Tuesday night in Game 2 of their OLA Junior A league semifinal, the Warriors
were looking to avenge a Game 1 defeat at the hands of the Six Nations
Arrows.
They were determined to come out stronger than in the first game when they
fell behind by three after 20 minutes.
However, Tuesday, they dug an even deeper hole as they trailed by a 7-2 count
after the first period in what turned out to be a 9-6 Arrows win, giving them a
2-0 series lead heading into Game 3 Thursday night at Six Nations.
Afterwards, McComb admitted that another flat start cost them a victory...
Read the rest of this Shawn Cayley story on newsdurhamregion.com
CHANGED! Please note the revised playoff schedule below:
Warriors verus Six Nations game schedule
Sun, July 29 Whitby at Six NationsTue, July 31 Six Nations at Whitby 8:00 PM
Thu August 2 Whitby at Six Nations 8:00 PM
Fri August 3 Six Nations at Whitby 8:00 PM
Sun August 5 Whitby at Six Nations 7:00 PM
Tue August 7 Six Nations at Whitby 8:00 PM
Wed August 8 Whitby at Six Nations 8:00 PM
Warriors speared in Game 1
Arrows score 13-5 victory to open seriesShawn Cayley - Tue Jul 31, 2007
SIX NATIONS -- Saturday night the Whitby Warriors found out just how difficult a task was ahead of them in the second round of the OLA Jr. A league playoffs.
When Brampton eliminated St. Catharines in seven games, it meant the Warriors would face the Six Nations Arrows in Round 2, a team that has yet to lose a game this season after going 17-0-1 in the regular season and sweeping Burlington aside in four games to open the playoffs.
Sunday night the series kicked off and the result played out just how the standings indicated it might. To their credit, the Warriors hung tight for two periods before watching it all unravel in the third as the Arrows registered a convincing 13-5 Game 1 victory...
Read the rest of this Shawn Cayley story from newsdurhamregion.com
Warriors oust Peterborough in five games
Face trip to Six Nations or Orangeville in second roundThu Jul 26, 2007
WHITBY -- That collective sigh of relief let out in Whitby Tuesday night came from Iroquois Park and the Whitby Warriors.
You see, in each of the last two years, the Warriors have had their season, which often starts with lofty expectations, halted by their eastern rivals, the Peterborough Lakers.
Last year the Warriors proved to be little more than a speed bump for the Lakers as they cruised to a five-game series win en route to capturing the Minto Cup championship. And in 2005, despite jumping out to a 3-1 series lead, the Warriors again fell short against Peterborough, getting ousted in seven.
This time around, however, they were determined to change the final outcome...
Read the rest of this Shawn Cayley story here at newsdurhamregion.com
Warriors
back Lakers against a wall
Had chance
to close out first round series last night -Tue Jul
24, 2007WHITBY -- The Whitby Warriors took the floor last night looking to do something they haven't been able to accomplish in a couple of years.
Eliminate the Peterborough Lakers from the Ontario Lacrosse Association Jr. A league playoffs.
They afforded themselves that opportunity last night (after our deadline) thanks to a couple of tight wins in Game 3 and 4 of their first round series...
Warriors take 2-1 series lead
Ron Messer, Warriors PR, July 22nd, 2007Warriors jumped out to an early lead and never looked back leading on the scoreboard all the way.
Three quick goals in the early going chased Laker starter Ryan Masters from between the pipes at the 6:55 mark of the first. The Lakers clawed away at the Warriors lead to narrow the score to 4-3 Warriors at the first intermission. It was all Warriors on the scoresheet in the second as they took a commanding 8-3 lead to the dressing room after 2. The third period saw the Lakers wake up and fire 4 of their own before a empty netter by Nick Cotter sealed their fate.
This was a great lacrosse game that featured good playmaking by both sides and stellar netminding in both ends. Referees grant Spies and Scott McCullough handled the game well with only a few minor skirmishes. The Warriors were ready for this one and were bound and determined to put on a good show after losing in the Boro the night before. Their experience showed through in the game. Kyle O’Brien and Steve Hutchins both played their hearts out and were tenacious in their pursuit of the loose ball. The Lakers on the other hand seemed to not have the same jump I saw in game 1. It may be because Capt Brock Sorenson’s playing was limited because of what seems to be a rather nasty ankle injury that forced him to the concrete and the bench more often than not. This was real playoff style lacrosse with end to end action and the risk taking that comes when the eye is on the prize. Game #4 takes place in Peterborough Monday night at 8pm.
It was nice to see Warriors Ian Crashley in the warmup and in a brief conversation with him he told may that his return is imminent and could come on Monday. He will be a great asset. Saturday night playoff lacrosse cant be beat. This was a very enjoyable game to watch. The play on the floor elicited its share of oohs and aahs by the crowd. Way to go boys a great effort by both teams.
Warriors open playoffs
Ron Messer, Warriors PR, July 17th, 2007The Whitby
Warriors and Peterborough Lakers engaged in a nasty 3 periods of lacrosse that saw
the hometeam end up winning 9-8. Warriors outscored Boro 3-1 in the first. The
second period saw the visitors even things up only to fall behind as the
Warriors erupted for 5 goals in the second to go to the dressing room with an
8-6 lead under their belts. Two early
scores by the Lakers tied the game at 8 until Justin Fox scored the winner at
6:04 of the third to salt the game away.
Warriors open playoffs with a win - Brad Kelly article from newsdurhamregion.com
Warriors hang tough with Arrows
Whitby now up against Peterborough in playoffsTue Jul 17, 2007
WHITBY -- The Whitby Warriors are certainly not about to look past the Peterborough Lakers. But at least they know now, if they do advance in the Junior A lacrosse playoffs, they can compete with the league's best.
The Warriors closed out the regular season Sunday in Six Nations with a respectable 9-7 loss to the undefeated Arrows.
In fact, the Warriors held a two-goal lead at the midway point, but watched as the Arrows scored the game's final four goals, including the only two of the third period...
Read the rest of the newsdurharegion.com story here
Warriors set to begin playoffs
Todd Powless, Warriors Web Guy, July 16, 2007With a 10-5-2 record, good enough for 22 points and a 4th place finish in the OLA Junior 'A' loop, the Whitby Warriors open up the 2007 playoffs at home Tuesday, July 17th against the rival Peterborough Lakers.
Here is playoff series dates:
Tue, July 17, Peterborough at Whitby - 8:00 PM
Fri, July 20, Whitby at Peterborough - 8:00 PM
Sat, July 21, Peterborough at Whitby - 8:00 PM
Mon, July 23, Whitby at Peterborough - 8:00 PM
Tue, July 24, Peterborough at Whitby - 8:00 PM If necessary*
Thu, July 26, Whitby at Peterborough - 8:00 PM If necessary*
Fri, July 27, Peterborough at Whitby - 8:30 PM If necessary*
Have the Warriors turned on the switch in time?
Four straight wins suggests team is on right track heading into playoffsThu Jul 12, 2007 - By Shawn Cayley
WHITBY -- It took two-thirds of the season, but Jeff McComb finally feels his Whitby Warriors are hitting their stride.
After drubbing the Lakers in Peterborough 10-3 in Junior A lacrosse play Tuesday, a victory that extended Whitby's win streak to a season-high four games, it's tough to disagree with the coach.
In recent history, the Warriors' trips up Hwy. 115 haven't exactly been fruitful. However, on Tuesday, Whitby built a 4-2 lead after 20 minutes before scoring the final six goals of the game including three in the third, to up their record to 10-5-2. That means they'll finish no lower than fourth in the OLA loop.
"We've talked about it all year, through our struggles, that we really want to be playing our best lacrosse of the year as we head into the playoffs," said McComb on Wednesday. "I really think now that we are headed in the right direction."
Read the rest of the story from Sports a newsdurhamregion.comMeltdown in Durham
Ron Messer, Warriors PR, July 6th, 2007There was a meltdown in the Durham region tonight. No, not at one of the area nuclear plants, but on the floor at the Iroquois Park arena as the visitors allowed the Warriors a come from behind 12-11 victory.
The visitors built a healthy 4-1 first period advantage as they looked all that, and more, as it seemed like times the Warriors were on another planet. Veteran netminder Joel Weber was pulled after the first 16:41 as the Chiefs were making this goalie known, for his poise under fire, look very ordinary between the pipes.
The Chiefs then ran roughshod over replacement Jesse Gill pumping 6 past him in the second. The turning point seemed to come after Weber returned to the nets and the Warriors responded by scoring 3 of their own before the second ended to make the score 11-6 Burlington after 2. Then the roof fell in on the Chiefs heads as the Warriors inspired by the late second period run must have taken on some extra ugly pills at the intermission as they came out firing on all cylinders scoring 6 in the third to take home the win in dramatic fashion.
Heck of a game for the fans in attendance. The stands were a little fuller tonight, lets hope this is an indication of the kinds of crowds the Warriors draw for the playoffs. All the scorers and more at the Official OLA Jr. A website.
Boxscore from the OLA Junior 'A' website
Warriors win battle over Titans
OTTAWA -- All season long the Whitby Warriors have been prone to slow starts in games while often falling victim to undisciplined play.
However, that all changed on Wednesday, much to the delight of Warriors head coach Jeff McComb.
Justin Fox scored his first of three goals on the night just 28 seconds into the game, while the Warriors as a team had only 25 penalty minutes in what turned out to be a much-needed 11-5 victory over the Ottawa Titans.
Hopcroft makes his mark
Veteran forward scores first goal as a Whitby WarriorTue Jul 03, 2007
KITCHENER -- When the Whitby Warriors acquired Derek Hopcroft prior to the OLA Jr. A lacrosse trade deadline, they were looking to add a little offensive punch to a roster that had been sorely lacking in that area.
Although he was held pointless in his first game as a Warrior last Tuesday, Hopcroft chose an opportune time to make an impact Friday night as Whitby registered a much-needed 8-7 victory over the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves
Read the full story from newsdurhamregion.com
Warriors eke out OT win
OLA Jr. A standings remain closeWHITBY -- Oh
how things can change in the Ontario Lacrosse Association Jr. A standings from
night to night.
Warriors and Green Gaels Emerge Victorious
Shawn Cayley article from NewsDurhamRegion.com10 Questions with Jeff McComb
Article from NewsDurhamRegion.comBrampton 8 Warriors 6
Ron Messer, Warriors PR, June 5th, 2007
Good game tonight final score Brampton 8 Whitby 6.Brampton led all the way in this one only to see the Warriors close the gap on two occasions with two scores in succession. Despite the home debut of Zack Greer and Mitch McMichael the Warriors never seemed to find the groove. There was some sweet passing on the inside by both teams that made the game most enjoyable to watch. Garret Ince led the winners with 4 points on the night for Brampton while Brendan Thenhaus and Ryan Campbell also has multiple point games for the Excels. Justin Fox led the Warriors with 3 points on two goals and an assist Zack Greer chipped in with 3 assists. Brampton goaler Tyler Carlson was the player of the game for the Excelsiors ,while Mitch McMichael was the man of the night for Whitby .The Warriors have a week to recover until they face the KW Braves next Tuesday at the Iroquois Park Centre.
Read all the box scores on the Jr. A website.
Greer Returns; Warriors Win
Article from NewsDurhamRegion.comWarriors 9 Aweksasne 8
Ron Messer, Warriors PR, May 15th, 2007
The heart attack kids snatched another victory from the jaws of defeat tonight, scoring on a power play in the last minute and a half of the game .A rather silly penalty by #10 Corey Thomas for playing without a helmet cost the Indians the game. The visitors led all the way ,only having Whitby tie it on 2 occasions then retake the lead. Corey Thomas led the Indians with 2 goals and looked to have the game well in hand taking a 5-1 lead to the locker room after 1.
Warriors scored 5 in the second to end tied at 6-6 after 2. Akwesasne scored 2 early to go up 8-6 on goals by Jeremy Thompson and Peter Jacobs. The Warriors roared back with two of their own by Luke Carson and Mark Jackson to pull even. Then the wheels fell off when Thomas took the penalty at 18:20 Kyle O’Brien salted it away 9 seconds later on the power play to finish it at 9-8 for the homeside.
Akwesasne is a very good team worthy of a place in Jr. A. The Warriors received Herculean net-minding from Joel Weber, one acrobatic save in the third had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Nick Cotter, Steve Hutchins and Luke Carson were impressive in the win. The Warriors were very sloppy at times and some selfish plays with the ball, almost cost them the 2 points. I had the pleasure of sitting with Glen Little, in the booth tonight on a scouting mission for his Burlington boys. Cool shirt dude. Its Peterborough then Burlington for the Indians next weekend. The Warriors are off for a week returning to action next Tuesday against Mississauga.
Warriors 12 Lakers 10
Ron Messer, Warriors PR, May 11th, 2007
The Whitby Warriors came out of the gate firing last night but lost their edge somewhere in the middle frame. The Lakers took the lead and held it until the dying moments of the game when the homeside woke up. Four unanswered goals in rapid succession sealed the Lakers fate when it looked as though they were going to spoil Tuggy Passfield Night. The Warriors started Jesse Gill in net. I was disappointed at the turn out, this being the home opener and minor lacrosse night. The Town was represented by Councillor Joe Drumm the man responsible for ensuring the survival of the $1 Hot Dog and Doug Luey VP from the league office. Kyle Clancy from the Lakers impressed as did Guerin and Brock Sorenson with Clancy taking home the player of the game award for the visitors.
Steve Hutchins ex captain of the Gaels brought his edgy style to the floor scored a couple and I am quite sure left an impression both physically and mentally on a few Lakers. Hutchins received player of the game for the home side, a well deserved nod as his leadership and toughness are something the Warriors have been missing for a couple of years now. I am sure he will become a fan favourite. Just a couple of minor scraps nothing to write about. With lots of guys still missing it is hard to form an opinion yet as to how these teams will fare in the long run. Warriors face expansion Akwesasne on Tuesday the 15th, at the home of the World Famous $1 Hot Dog Iroquois Park. Tickets are still 6$.
