August 29, 2022
Whitby Captures it's Eighth Minto Cup Title!
As would be expected, Game Three was an even tighter defensive battle than Game Two, as both teams had to scrape and claw for every inch of floor space and territory on their way to a thrilling 6-5 final score.
Parker Pipher scored the eventual game and Cup clinching winner with 9:48 to play in the third period, and Edmonton missed a penalty shot with under 30 seconds remaining in the third period to tie the game and potentially force overtime. Brock Haley and Adam Poitras each had three points, Pipher had an assist to go along with his goal, and Whitby got help from depth scoring which they have not seen in some time from Owen Tapper and Jack Budway. Poitras was named the MVP of the tournament after finishing tied for second in tournament scoring with Brock Haley at 29 points in six games.
Defence was the story tonight, and even with the loss in Game 2, Whitby still had not lost a third period since the second game of the first round of the Ontario playoffs. This was a shut-down core of defenders and great team defence.
Congratulations to all the players and staff of the team!
Whitby Captures it's Eighth Minto Cup Title!
As would be expected, Game Three was an even tighter defensive battle than Game Two, as both teams had to scrape and claw for every inch of floor space and territory on their way to a thrilling 6-5 final score.
Parker Pipher scored the eventual game and Cup clinching winner with 9:48 to play in the third period, and Edmonton missed a penalty shot with under 30 seconds remaining in the third period to tie the game and potentially force overtime. Brock Haley and Adam Poitras each had three points, Pipher had an assist to go along with his goal, and Whitby got help from depth scoring which they have not seen in some time from Owen Tapper and Jack Budway. Poitras was named the MVP of the tournament after finishing tied for second in tournament scoring with Brock Haley at 29 points in six games.
Defence was the story tonight, and even with the loss in Game 2, Whitby still had not lost a third period since the second game of the first round of the Ontario playoffs. This was a shut-down core of defenders and great team defence.
Congratulations to all the players and staff of the team!
August 28, 2022
Edmonton Wins 9-8 in Overtime to Force a Deciding Game Three
The Edmonton Miners made sure the Whitby faithful went home disappointed that the Minto Cup was not hoisted tonight with what has to be considered their best game of the tournament so far. With a determined display of aggressiveness, formidable defence, solid goaltending from Keegan Melenychuk, and timely scoring, Edmonton gave themselves the chance to hoist the Cup themselves Monday night.
This one was a tense, terse game. The largest leads of the game was Whitby's at 3-1 in the first period and 6-4 in the second. Edmonton bent at times but didn't break, battling back to even the score each time they trailed. Although Whitby still did not lose the third period, they didn't win it either, despite a frantic final 12 seconds of regulation time as they tried for the Cup winning goal following a timeout. As the teams entered the third period tied 6-6, they would trade goals to get to Overtime at 8-8.
The overtime period was Edmonton's best 10 minutes. Their defence prevented Whitby from getting inside on almost every possession, and Melenychuk was able to stop anything shot from the outside. Offensively, the only goal of overtime came just past the 5 minute mark, on a nice spin move off the Whitby check and slick finish to beat Kaleb Martin on the short side. During overtime, one thing which was noticeable was the noise level in the crowd. There wasn't one. Not because the game was boring, but because the fans were so engrossed in the game they didn't make a sound. Coupled with artificial turf naturally absorbing sound off the floor, it was like the game was being played in a library. The tension was palpable and the Edmonton fans could finally exhale as they controlled the ball in the final thirty second after calling a timeout, beat the Whitby press, and managed to run out the clock.
The final game of the 2022 season and the presentation of the Minto Cup starts at 8:00 PM Monday night.
Edmonton Wins 9-8 in Overtime to Force a Deciding Game Three
The Edmonton Miners made sure the Whitby faithful went home disappointed that the Minto Cup was not hoisted tonight with what has to be considered their best game of the tournament so far. With a determined display of aggressiveness, formidable defence, solid goaltending from Keegan Melenychuk, and timely scoring, Edmonton gave themselves the chance to hoist the Cup themselves Monday night.
This one was a tense, terse game. The largest leads of the game was Whitby's at 3-1 in the first period and 6-4 in the second. Edmonton bent at times but didn't break, battling back to even the score each time they trailed. Although Whitby still did not lose the third period, they didn't win it either, despite a frantic final 12 seconds of regulation time as they tried for the Cup winning goal following a timeout. As the teams entered the third period tied 6-6, they would trade goals to get to Overtime at 8-8.
The overtime period was Edmonton's best 10 minutes. Their defence prevented Whitby from getting inside on almost every possession, and Melenychuk was able to stop anything shot from the outside. Offensively, the only goal of overtime came just past the 5 minute mark, on a nice spin move off the Whitby check and slick finish to beat Kaleb Martin on the short side. During overtime, one thing which was noticeable was the noise level in the crowd. There wasn't one. Not because the game was boring, but because the fans were so engrossed in the game they didn't make a sound. Coupled with artificial turf naturally absorbing sound off the floor, it was like the game was being played in a library. The tension was palpable and the Edmonton fans could finally exhale as they controlled the ball in the final thirty second after calling a timeout, beat the Whitby press, and managed to run out the clock.
The final game of the 2022 season and the presentation of the Minto Cup starts at 8:00 PM Monday night.
August 27, 2022
Whitby One Win Away From The Title
The Whitby Warriors are within one game of winning the National Championship following a solid performance in all categories, led by goalie Kaleb Martin's 37 saves and Gabriel Sorichetti's five points, and a 12-8 victory. The Warriors are now positioned to close out the Minto Cup with a win tomorrow evening and finish the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record.
For the Edmonton Miners, the task of defeating Whitby became an increased struggle as starting goaltender Keegan Melenychuk allowed five goals in just under fifteen minutes, and was replaced by Jace Simington-Lesanko for the duration of the game. Just as Toronto Beaches' Will Johnston struggled in the Semi-Final game, Melenychuk seemed to have difficulty with Whitby's offence at an inopportune time. For Edmonton, it was only Game One and Melenychuk has been perhaps their best player throughout this tournament. It would seem unlikely, unless he is injured, that he doesn't start tomorrow night and perform at his typically high level.
Whitby led the game in all statistical categories, but perhaps the most important one is rest. The team with the bye into the Finals is 11-4 in those Finals in the last fifteen contests, and the Warriors appeared to be fresher than the Miners. As has been Whitby's signature, certainly in the last half of the regular season and throughout the playoffs, they improve their team defence as each game gets further along. The only third period they have lost during the Ontario Playoffs and Minto Cup Tournament and Finals was Game Two of the opening round of the Ontario playoffs versus St. Catherines. That takes a lot of pressure off their offence knowing the defence, made up of Scott Reed, Kobe Handsor, Ben Macdonnell, Carter Schott, Owen Tapper, Jake Darlison, Peytin Wallace, Jake Doolittle and Michael White can shut down the opponents in high-leverage minutes.
Edmonton has shown they can score in bunches, and Melenychuk has shown he can be a shutout-style goaltender. Can they force a third and deciding Game Three? Get out to the CAA Centre in Brampton or watch online on YouTube or the TSN App to see. Game starts at 7:00PM EST.
Whitby One Win Away From The Title
The Whitby Warriors are within one game of winning the National Championship following a solid performance in all categories, led by goalie Kaleb Martin's 37 saves and Gabriel Sorichetti's five points, and a 12-8 victory. The Warriors are now positioned to close out the Minto Cup with a win tomorrow evening and finish the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record.
For the Edmonton Miners, the task of defeating Whitby became an increased struggle as starting goaltender Keegan Melenychuk allowed five goals in just under fifteen minutes, and was replaced by Jace Simington-Lesanko for the duration of the game. Just as Toronto Beaches' Will Johnston struggled in the Semi-Final game, Melenychuk seemed to have difficulty with Whitby's offence at an inopportune time. For Edmonton, it was only Game One and Melenychuk has been perhaps their best player throughout this tournament. It would seem unlikely, unless he is injured, that he doesn't start tomorrow night and perform at his typically high level.
Whitby led the game in all statistical categories, but perhaps the most important one is rest. The team with the bye into the Finals is 11-4 in those Finals in the last fifteen contests, and the Warriors appeared to be fresher than the Miners. As has been Whitby's signature, certainly in the last half of the regular season and throughout the playoffs, they improve their team defence as each game gets further along. The only third period they have lost during the Ontario Playoffs and Minto Cup Tournament and Finals was Game Two of the opening round of the Ontario playoffs versus St. Catherines. That takes a lot of pressure off their offence knowing the defence, made up of Scott Reed, Kobe Handsor, Ben Macdonnell, Carter Schott, Owen Tapper, Jake Darlison, Peytin Wallace, Jake Doolittle and Michael White can shut down the opponents in high-leverage minutes.
Edmonton has shown they can score in bunches, and Melenychuk has shown he can be a shutout-style goaltender. Can they force a third and deciding Game Three? Get out to the CAA Centre in Brampton or watch online on YouTube or the TSN App to see. Game starts at 7:00PM EST.
August 25, 2022
Edmonton Miners Advance to First Ever Minto Cup Final
A seven-goal run stretching from the first into the second period was the difference in the game as the Miners turned a 3-1 deficit into an 8-3 lead then quickly to a 10-4 lead, and chasing Toronto Beaches starting net minder Will Johnston from the game.
Led by Mathieu Gauthier's nine points and Keegan Melenychuk's 48 saves, the Miners led at the end of all three periods, 4-3 after one, 13-9 after two, and a final score of 20-12 to make history for the Alberta Junior A lacrosse programs. The Miners focused on playing five-on-five lacrosse in the final game of the Round Robin against Victoria, and again tonight against Toronto after having some early penalty troubles in the first two games of the tournament. Showing some excellent ball movement and shooting, coupled with a troubling night for Johnston who had his roughest start of the tournament, Edmonton made the most of their opportunities and once they opened up their lead in the second period they simply kept Toronto at arms length the rest of the way.
Toronto was led in scoring by Willem Firth and Cam Acchione with eight and five points, respectively, and Andrew Kidd stopped 11 of 12 shots in relief in net. The Beaches first visit to the Minto Cup was an excellent one. As the results of the Round Robin games showed, all these teams were so closely matched any of them could be winless or undefeated. For Head Coach Reilly O'Connor and staff, this sets a new bar for the Beaches organization, and they will look to return to the Minto Cup tournament as soon as possible.
The Finals begin Saturday at 7:00 PM EST.
Edmonton Miners Advance to First Ever Minto Cup Final
A seven-goal run stretching from the first into the second period was the difference in the game as the Miners turned a 3-1 deficit into an 8-3 lead then quickly to a 10-4 lead, and chasing Toronto Beaches starting net minder Will Johnston from the game.
Led by Mathieu Gauthier's nine points and Keegan Melenychuk's 48 saves, the Miners led at the end of all three periods, 4-3 after one, 13-9 after two, and a final score of 20-12 to make history for the Alberta Junior A lacrosse programs. The Miners focused on playing five-on-five lacrosse in the final game of the Round Robin against Victoria, and again tonight against Toronto after having some early penalty troubles in the first two games of the tournament. Showing some excellent ball movement and shooting, coupled with a troubling night for Johnston who had his roughest start of the tournament, Edmonton made the most of their opportunities and once they opened up their lead in the second period they simply kept Toronto at arms length the rest of the way.
Toronto was led in scoring by Willem Firth and Cam Acchione with eight and five points, respectively, and Andrew Kidd stopped 11 of 12 shots in relief in net. The Beaches first visit to the Minto Cup was an excellent one. As the results of the Round Robin games showed, all these teams were so closely matched any of them could be winless or undefeated. For Head Coach Reilly O'Connor and staff, this sets a new bar for the Beaches organization, and they will look to return to the Minto Cup tournament as soon as possible.
The Finals begin Saturday at 7:00 PM EST.
August 24, 2022
Warriors will play for their Eighth Minto Cup Championship
Kaleb Martin made 45 saves on 50 shots, Parker Pipher had a four point night and Player of the Game honours, and the defence shut out the Toronto Beaches in the third period. The Whitby Warriors now have the right to rest for two nights and watch the Semi-Final between the Edmonton Miners and the Toronto Beaches tomorrow night. On Saturday they begin the process of adding to the legacy of this franchise with their first Minto Cup victory since 2013.
With the victory the Warriors are 3-0 in the Round Robin, 6-0 in their last six games going back to Game 5 of the second round of the playoffs, and 11-2 in the Playoffs overall.
The Finals begin Saturday night at 7:00PM, with Game 2 of the Final Sunday at 7:00 PM, and Game 3 on Monday at 8:00 PM if necessary.
Warriors will play for their Eighth Minto Cup Championship
Kaleb Martin made 45 saves on 50 shots, Parker Pipher had a four point night and Player of the Game honours, and the defence shut out the Toronto Beaches in the third period. The Whitby Warriors now have the right to rest for two nights and watch the Semi-Final between the Edmonton Miners and the Toronto Beaches tomorrow night. On Saturday they begin the process of adding to the legacy of this franchise with their first Minto Cup victory since 2013.
With the victory the Warriors are 3-0 in the Round Robin, 6-0 in their last six games going back to Game 5 of the second round of the playoffs, and 11-2 in the Playoffs overall.
The Finals begin Saturday night at 7:00PM, with Game 2 of the Final Sunday at 7:00 PM, and Game 3 on Monday at 8:00 PM if necessary.
August 24, 2022
Minto Cup Playoff Teams Finalized Tonight
The final games of the Round Robin should be the most meaningful games of the Round Robin format at the Minto Cup. This year they set up to be absolute gems. The first four games of the tournament have been nail-biters, with two of the outcomes determined in Overtime, and the other two by one goal differentials. The teams are all so evenly matched the standings could easily be flipped at this point, or all teams could hold the exact same record.
Game #5: Edmonton versus Victoria
As it happens, the Toronto Beaches and the Whitby Warriors have both punched their tickets to at least the Semi-Finals, and await the winner of the Victoria-Edmonton game at 5:00 PM tonight in Game #5 of the tournament. The winner moves onto the Semi-Finals, the loser sees it's Minto Cup hopes end this evening. The motivation level for both sides will be through the roof as both have every right to say they deserve to be in the Semis.
Edmonton has been the front-runner all season in the RMLL posting impressive numbers of a .800 winning percentage in the Regular Season and .888 in the Playoffs, with an 8-1 Playoff record. Victoria also led their Regular and Playoff Seasons, going 11-3 in the Regular Season and 7-4 in the Playoffs. Both squads have the talent and experience to advance to the Semi-Finals, and perhaps win it all, but tonight they have to figure out the other one. Unlike the final Game of the Round Robin between Toronto and Whitby, who have played one another four times already this season, Edmonton and Victoria will be facing one another for the first time, and in a loser-goes-home sweepstakes.
Based on the two games played so far, Special Teams may be the key to the outcome headed into the tilt: Edmonton leads the tournament in penalty minutes with 42, have the lowest Power Play output with two goals, and have allowed the most Short-Handed Goals. If Edmonton can play the majority of the game five-on-five, they may just be playing on Thursday night. Victoria is powered by Casey Wilson and Captain Patrick Dodds who sit third and sixth, respectively, in tournament scoring. If Victoria is to advance, these two have to continue their offensive production.
These two are fighting for their lacrosse lives tonight. This game could give lacrosse fans chills.
Game #6: Toronto versus Whitby
The battle for first place in the Round Robin and the coveted Bye into the Minto Cup Finals will be decided starting at 8:00 PM tonight when The Beaches and the Warriors square off for the fifth time this season. They split the Regular Season series 1-1, with Whitby winning in Overtime in Whitby and Beaches winning in regulation time on their home floor, and Whitby sweeping the Best-of-Three Ontario Final 2-0.
Ontario Finals MVP Adam Poitras continues to roll as he leads the tournament scoring with 13 points, and Brock Haley has 10 points, while the Beaches are led again by Willem Firth and Matt Collison. All four players are averaging at least five points per game. The balance of the rosters, then, are the deciding factors. Jack Oldman has been dominant at the face-off dot for Whitby, and Will Johnston has been excellent in net for Beaches. Lucas Littlejohn has seen his play improve more and more as the playoffs have advanced this summer for Whitby, and David Anderson has added great depth and support scoring for the Beaches.
Nothing gives a team more confidence than to say they beat everyone in the tournament and earned the pass directly to the Final. The extra rest and the right to just watch the Semi-Finals and await their opponent goes to the victor. The losing team plays tomorrow night in the Semi-Final, and their fourth game in four nights. Toronto and Whitby could put on a show tonight.
Get to the CAA Centre in Brampton if you can tonight, or watch live online on YouTube or the TSN App. This could be a special evening of Junior Lacrosse.
Minto Cup Playoff Teams Finalized Tonight
The final games of the Round Robin should be the most meaningful games of the Round Robin format at the Minto Cup. This year they set up to be absolute gems. The first four games of the tournament have been nail-biters, with two of the outcomes determined in Overtime, and the other two by one goal differentials. The teams are all so evenly matched the standings could easily be flipped at this point, or all teams could hold the exact same record.
Game #5: Edmonton versus Victoria
As it happens, the Toronto Beaches and the Whitby Warriors have both punched their tickets to at least the Semi-Finals, and await the winner of the Victoria-Edmonton game at 5:00 PM tonight in Game #5 of the tournament. The winner moves onto the Semi-Finals, the loser sees it's Minto Cup hopes end this evening. The motivation level for both sides will be through the roof as both have every right to say they deserve to be in the Semis.
Edmonton has been the front-runner all season in the RMLL posting impressive numbers of a .800 winning percentage in the Regular Season and .888 in the Playoffs, with an 8-1 Playoff record. Victoria also led their Regular and Playoff Seasons, going 11-3 in the Regular Season and 7-4 in the Playoffs. Both squads have the talent and experience to advance to the Semi-Finals, and perhaps win it all, but tonight they have to figure out the other one. Unlike the final Game of the Round Robin between Toronto and Whitby, who have played one another four times already this season, Edmonton and Victoria will be facing one another for the first time, and in a loser-goes-home sweepstakes.
Based on the two games played so far, Special Teams may be the key to the outcome headed into the tilt: Edmonton leads the tournament in penalty minutes with 42, have the lowest Power Play output with two goals, and have allowed the most Short-Handed Goals. If Edmonton can play the majority of the game five-on-five, they may just be playing on Thursday night. Victoria is powered by Casey Wilson and Captain Patrick Dodds who sit third and sixth, respectively, in tournament scoring. If Victoria is to advance, these two have to continue their offensive production.
These two are fighting for their lacrosse lives tonight. This game could give lacrosse fans chills.
Game #6: Toronto versus Whitby
The battle for first place in the Round Robin and the coveted Bye into the Minto Cup Finals will be decided starting at 8:00 PM tonight when The Beaches and the Warriors square off for the fifth time this season. They split the Regular Season series 1-1, with Whitby winning in Overtime in Whitby and Beaches winning in regulation time on their home floor, and Whitby sweeping the Best-of-Three Ontario Final 2-0.
Ontario Finals MVP Adam Poitras continues to roll as he leads the tournament scoring with 13 points, and Brock Haley has 10 points, while the Beaches are led again by Willem Firth and Matt Collison. All four players are averaging at least five points per game. The balance of the rosters, then, are the deciding factors. Jack Oldman has been dominant at the face-off dot for Whitby, and Will Johnston has been excellent in net for Beaches. Lucas Littlejohn has seen his play improve more and more as the playoffs have advanced this summer for Whitby, and David Anderson has added great depth and support scoring for the Beaches.
Nothing gives a team more confidence than to say they beat everyone in the tournament and earned the pass directly to the Final. The extra rest and the right to just watch the Semi-Finals and await their opponent goes to the victor. The losing team plays tomorrow night in the Semi-Final, and their fourth game in four nights. Toronto and Whitby could put on a show tonight.
Get to the CAA Centre in Brampton if you can tonight, or watch live online on YouTube or the TSN App. This could be a special evening of Junior Lacrosse.
August 23, 2022
Warriors win second game of Round Robin play to clinch spot in the Semi-Finals
Tonight the Whitby Warriors moved another step closer to the ultimate goal of securing the Minto Cup with a hard-fought win over the Victoria Shamrocks 11-10 in Regulation Time to secure a berth in at least the Semi-Finals on Thursday night. Whitby is tied with the Toronto Beaches atop the standings, each with perfect 2-0 records. The team with the best Round Robin record gets a bye to the Finals while the second and third place teams battle in a one-game Semi-Final. Whitby can finish no lower than second place in the Round Robin standings, so the play at least on Thursday, but ideally not play at all until Saturday when the Finals begin, as the number one seed.
The score line from each of games one and two show two very evenly matched teams and competitive lacrosse at its best. The overall standings emphasize that point as no one team has separated itself from the pack, nor has one team fallen off the pace of the pack. The differences in the outcomes of the games is the timing of the goals when needed the most. The balance of the teams is immediately noticeable, with the top two teams being only +3 in goal differential, and the bottom two (winless) only -3. Some key points so far further is that only three Short-Handed Goals have been given up by the teams collectively, which means they don't lessen the success of the power play by allowing the penalized team to score. Whitby leads the pack in Power Play efficiency, going 7/12 (.583). Victoria is 4/10 (.400), Beaches 4/11 (.363) and the Miners so far are 2/11 (.181).
Adam Poitras currently leads the Minto scoring race with 13 points, while Will Johnston of Toronto leads goalies with 7.19 Goals Against Average. The final day of the Round Robin play should prove to be spectacular lacrosse. Watch is on Youtube or on the TSN App.
Warriors win second game of Round Robin play to clinch spot in the Semi-Finals
Tonight the Whitby Warriors moved another step closer to the ultimate goal of securing the Minto Cup with a hard-fought win over the Victoria Shamrocks 11-10 in Regulation Time to secure a berth in at least the Semi-Finals on Thursday night. Whitby is tied with the Toronto Beaches atop the standings, each with perfect 2-0 records. The team with the best Round Robin record gets a bye to the Finals while the second and third place teams battle in a one-game Semi-Final. Whitby can finish no lower than second place in the Round Robin standings, so the play at least on Thursday, but ideally not play at all until Saturday when the Finals begin, as the number one seed.
The score line from each of games one and two show two very evenly matched teams and competitive lacrosse at its best. The overall standings emphasize that point as no one team has separated itself from the pack, nor has one team fallen off the pace of the pack. The differences in the outcomes of the games is the timing of the goals when needed the most. The balance of the teams is immediately noticeable, with the top two teams being only +3 in goal differential, and the bottom two (winless) only -3. Some key points so far further is that only three Short-Handed Goals have been given up by the teams collectively, which means they don't lessen the success of the power play by allowing the penalized team to score. Whitby leads the pack in Power Play efficiency, going 7/12 (.583). Victoria is 4/10 (.400), Beaches 4/11 (.363) and the Miners so far are 2/11 (.181).
Adam Poitras currently leads the Minto scoring race with 13 points, while Will Johnston of Toronto leads goalies with 7.19 Goals Against Average. The final day of the Round Robin play should prove to be spectacular lacrosse. Watch is on Youtube or on the TSN App.
August 3, 2022
Whitby Sweeps Beaches to win Ontario Junior A Title; Poitras named Finals MVP
With a berth in the Minto Cup National Finals already secured by both Whitby and Toronto, the rights to claim the Ontario title were still to be determined. Game One in Pickering on Tuesday night resulted in a Whitby win and offered them the chance to close it out on home floor, and push their season record to 15-1.
The first period saw the home side open up a 3-1 lead by the first intermission with goals by Brock Haley (2) and Adam Poitras (1) for Whitby, and Willem Firth for Toronto. The defences were the stars of the period as both sides were limited in the opportunities and the goal tenders were up to task, so a low scoring opening frame was an expected result.
The second period was a different story. With goals from Whitby's Parker Pipher and Lucas Littlejohn to make it a 5-1 lead, it looked like perhaps this was going to be a one-sided affair. Toronto is not in the Finals by accident, answering Whitby's goals with three of their own, then four more after Whitby scored twice again. In total eleven goals were scored in the period, Whitby starter Kaleb Martin was chased from the game, and Toronto held an 8-7 lead headed into the dressing room.
The final frame saw the return of defence normalcy as the Beaches were held to only one goal, and the four added (one empty-netter) by Whitby's offence was more like the typical Beaches defence of the series and the season.
Adam Poitras was selected as Finals MVP and now looks to continue his playoff form into the Minto Cup Finals in Brampton August 22-29.
With a berth in the Minto Cup National Finals already secured by both Whitby and Toronto, the rights to claim the Ontario title were still to be determined. Game One in Pickering on Tuesday night resulted in a Whitby win and offered them the chance to close it out on home floor, and push their season record to 15-1.
The first period saw the home side open up a 3-1 lead by the first intermission with goals by Brock Haley (2) and Adam Poitras (1) for Whitby, and Willem Firth for Toronto. The defences were the stars of the period as both sides were limited in the opportunities and the goal tenders were up to task, so a low scoring opening frame was an expected result.
The second period was a different story. With goals from Whitby's Parker Pipher and Lucas Littlejohn to make it a 5-1 lead, it looked like perhaps this was going to be a one-sided affair. Toronto is not in the Finals by accident, answering Whitby's goals with three of their own, then four more after Whitby scored twice again. In total eleven goals were scored in the period, Whitby starter Kaleb Martin was chased from the game, and Toronto held an 8-7 lead headed into the dressing room.
The final frame saw the return of defence normalcy as the Beaches were held to only one goal, and the four added (one empty-netter) by Whitby's offence was more like the typical Beaches defence of the series and the season.
Adam Poitras was selected as Finals MVP and now looks to continue his playoff form into the Minto Cup Finals in Brampton August 22-29.
July 29, 2022
Whitby defeats Orangeville to Advance in Playoffs
If anyone ever wonders whether fans of Junior A lacrosse are paying attention, tonight in Whitby over 1000 people packed into Pad #1 of IPSC to witness the deciding game of what has been a tremendous series, and over 1000 more watched the live feed online. Despite the fact that Whitby plays host to the Ontario Lacrosse Festival Minor Lacrosse Provincial Championships, many of the spectators tonight had no affiliation with that event, and traveled to Whitby just to watch Game 5.
Whitby has enjoyed a fabulous season on its home floor this year, carrying a record of 14-1 at IPSC into tonight' game, and planned to add to the win column tonight. They opened the scoring early in the first period and added another, playing with poise and emotion and clearly had some momentum going, when a facility issue caused an almost 20 minute delay in the action. For Whitby fans the fear of losing that momentum would have been understandable, but the home side would come out of the delay to add one more before the end of period, while Kaleb Martin and the Whitby defence would throw a shutout at Orangeville and head into the first intermission with a healthy lead.
This series has proven, if anything, that five goal leads are not safe, let alone three goal leads. For the fourth game this series, the home squad built at least a three-goal lead in the first period, with the visitors shut out three times in the same time. Every time the visitor closed the gaps entirely, or at least to within one goal. Tonight Orangeville would do the same thing, though it would take some time.
The Northmen scored quickly to open the second period, then would not score again until the final second of the session. The defences of both squads were the story of the second period, as Whitby was held to only one tally, and Orangeville trailed headed into the second intermission, 4-2.
As befitting this series, Game Five was a tense affair with every possession causing the crowd to hold it's collective breath in anticipation of something special. A goal, a save, a hit, a turnover, a breakaway. There were many Orangeville fans in attendance, and when they finally gained their third goal at the 17:04 mark of the third period, the whole arena edged slightly forward in their seats (for those who could find seats). Five-and-a-half minutes later Whitby scored it's first of three goals in under a minute to make it 7-3. With ten minutes to play Trey Deere made it 7-4 for Whitby, but that would be as close as they would get as Jack Budway and Adam Poitras would add insurance markers to make the final 9-4.
The Whitby Warriors now face the Toronto Beaches in the Ontario Final, with both teams already advancing to the Minto Cup August 22-29 in Brampton. Schedule of the Ontario and Minto Cup Finals will be posted as soon as they are available.
Whitby defeats Orangeville to Advance in Playoffs
If anyone ever wonders whether fans of Junior A lacrosse are paying attention, tonight in Whitby over 1000 people packed into Pad #1 of IPSC to witness the deciding game of what has been a tremendous series, and over 1000 more watched the live feed online. Despite the fact that Whitby plays host to the Ontario Lacrosse Festival Minor Lacrosse Provincial Championships, many of the spectators tonight had no affiliation with that event, and traveled to Whitby just to watch Game 5.
Whitby has enjoyed a fabulous season on its home floor this year, carrying a record of 14-1 at IPSC into tonight' game, and planned to add to the win column tonight. They opened the scoring early in the first period and added another, playing with poise and emotion and clearly had some momentum going, when a facility issue caused an almost 20 minute delay in the action. For Whitby fans the fear of losing that momentum would have been understandable, but the home side would come out of the delay to add one more before the end of period, while Kaleb Martin and the Whitby defence would throw a shutout at Orangeville and head into the first intermission with a healthy lead.
This series has proven, if anything, that five goal leads are not safe, let alone three goal leads. For the fourth game this series, the home squad built at least a three-goal lead in the first period, with the visitors shut out three times in the same time. Every time the visitor closed the gaps entirely, or at least to within one goal. Tonight Orangeville would do the same thing, though it would take some time.
The Northmen scored quickly to open the second period, then would not score again until the final second of the session. The defences of both squads were the story of the second period, as Whitby was held to only one tally, and Orangeville trailed headed into the second intermission, 4-2.
As befitting this series, Game Five was a tense affair with every possession causing the crowd to hold it's collective breath in anticipation of something special. A goal, a save, a hit, a turnover, a breakaway. There were many Orangeville fans in attendance, and when they finally gained their third goal at the 17:04 mark of the third period, the whole arena edged slightly forward in their seats (for those who could find seats). Five-and-a-half minutes later Whitby scored it's first of three goals in under a minute to make it 7-3. With ten minutes to play Trey Deere made it 7-4 for Whitby, but that would be as close as they would get as Jack Budway and Adam Poitras would add insurance markers to make the final 9-4.
The Whitby Warriors now face the Toronto Beaches in the Ontario Final, with both teams already advancing to the Minto Cup August 22-29 in Brampton. Schedule of the Ontario and Minto Cup Finals will be posted as soon as they are available.
July 25, 2022
Whitby defence dominates at home in Game Three to take a 2-1 Series lead.
As in Game One, the Whitby defence proved to be too much for the Orangeville Northmen, holding them to six goals. The Warriors now are one win away from advancing to the Ontario Finals, and an automatic berth in the Minto Cup Final.
Sunday night the Warriors got down early to the Northmen, and came up one goal shy in a 10-9 loss at Tony Rose Arena. But Iroquois Park Sports Centre has been very friendly to Whitby, who now are 13-1 on the season at home with tonight's 13-6 win. The Whitby defence was led by starter Liam Wright, and while all season long the spotlight has been on Brock Haley and company up front with the offence, the defence has now become a star in it's own right. In nine periods of action, Orangeville has been shut out in three and scored three or less goals in three other periods.
Brock Haley (6 G, 2 A) and Adam Poitras (1 G, 7 A) again led the Whitby attack, and all but three players on tonight's roster registered at least one point. Liam Matthews (0 G, 5A) and Jameson Bucktooth (2 G, 2A) were Orangeville's lead offensive threats, but needed much more help than they received from the remainder of the team to crack the Whitby defence.
The full intensity of the series game to a boil mid-way through the third period as a line-brawl broke out, which ended up including both goalies. Whitby's Jake Darlison has been a thorn in the side of Orangeville all series with hard defence and strong transition play. Darlison plays with an edge, and following a hit on the edge on an Orangeville offensive player following a shot, the other Orangeville players jumped into the fray, and soon everyone had a partner.
The win puts Whitby one win away from the Minto Cup Finals in Brampton later in August. By virtue of being the host province, the two Ontario Finalists gain automatic entry into the Minto Cup Final, regardless of who wins the Ontario Championship.
Game Four goes Wednesday night in Orangeville.
Whitby defence dominates at home in Game Three to take a 2-1 Series lead.
As in Game One, the Whitby defence proved to be too much for the Orangeville Northmen, holding them to six goals. The Warriors now are one win away from advancing to the Ontario Finals, and an automatic berth in the Minto Cup Final.
Sunday night the Warriors got down early to the Northmen, and came up one goal shy in a 10-9 loss at Tony Rose Arena. But Iroquois Park Sports Centre has been very friendly to Whitby, who now are 13-1 on the season at home with tonight's 13-6 win. The Whitby defence was led by starter Liam Wright, and while all season long the spotlight has been on Brock Haley and company up front with the offence, the defence has now become a star in it's own right. In nine periods of action, Orangeville has been shut out in three and scored three or less goals in three other periods.
Brock Haley (6 G, 2 A) and Adam Poitras (1 G, 7 A) again led the Whitby attack, and all but three players on tonight's roster registered at least one point. Liam Matthews (0 G, 5A) and Jameson Bucktooth (2 G, 2A) were Orangeville's lead offensive threats, but needed much more help than they received from the remainder of the team to crack the Whitby defence.
The full intensity of the series game to a boil mid-way through the third period as a line-brawl broke out, which ended up including both goalies. Whitby's Jake Darlison has been a thorn in the side of Orangeville all series with hard defence and strong transition play. Darlison plays with an edge, and following a hit on the edge on an Orangeville offensive player following a shot, the other Orangeville players jumped into the fray, and soon everyone had a partner.
The win puts Whitby one win away from the Minto Cup Finals in Brampton later in August. By virtue of being the host province, the two Ontario Finalists gain automatic entry into the Minto Cup Final, regardless of who wins the Ontario Championship.
Game Four goes Wednesday night in Orangeville.
July 22, 2022
Whitby takes Game One of the Ontario Semi-Final
Brock Haley, Kaleb Martin and the Whitby defence were too much for the Orangeville Northman as they posted 10 goals to Orangeville's 5 and took a 1-0 series lead in the Ontario Best-of-Five Semi-Final.
After allowing three goals quickly in the first period, Whitby starting goaltender Liam Wright was replaced by Kaleb Martin, and from then on he and the Whitby defence would allow only two more goals, with all of Orangeville's scoring coming in the first period. Haley would have five goals on the night, with Adam Poitras adding three, to lead the Whitby offence,. Whitby posted five in the first period, and was held to only two in the second frame, then added three more in the third. Two of the those goals would come late from Haley and Poitras to seal the contest.
Game Two goes Sunday evening in Orangeville with Game Three back in Whitby at IPSC.
Whitby takes Game One of the Ontario Semi-Final
Brock Haley, Kaleb Martin and the Whitby defence were too much for the Orangeville Northman as they posted 10 goals to Orangeville's 5 and took a 1-0 series lead in the Ontario Best-of-Five Semi-Final.
After allowing three goals quickly in the first period, Whitby starting goaltender Liam Wright was replaced by Kaleb Martin, and from then on he and the Whitby defence would allow only two more goals, with all of Orangeville's scoring coming in the first period. Haley would have five goals on the night, with Adam Poitras adding three, to lead the Whitby offence,. Whitby posted five in the first period, and was held to only two in the second frame, then added three more in the third. Two of the those goals would come late from Haley and Poitras to seal the contest.
Game Two goes Sunday evening in Orangeville with Game Three back in Whitby at IPSC.
July 17, 2022
Whitby eliminates St. Catharines in series sweep.
After a tense Game One 12-11 win in St. Catharines, Whitby came home looking to continue their home dominance and go for the series sweep. The Warriors were 9-1 on home floor this regular season, and made it 11-1 after eliminating the Athletics with a 12-10 win.
The second game was never in doubt as Whitby opened quickly and had a 7-2 lead into the intermission. The game was essentially over as they never looked back and just kept scoring, finishing the game 18-5. The Athletics attempted some engagement in fights and altercations with the Warriors, but to no avail as they maintained their discipline and sought to stick to business and finish the game.
Game Three looked like a playoff game with one team facing elimination. All the elements were present as both teams played with pace, focus and intensity. St. Catharines stuck to their game plan of focusing on Brock Haley, trying to neutralize him as well as possible, For Whitby 5-on-4 power plays became 4-on-3 power plays as Haley would stand behind the Athletics net, and St. Catharines would commit a player to stand with him. Athletics' Head Coach Steve Toll felt Whitby would have to beat his squad on the power play without Haley, who would finish the night with one goal and four assists.. Whitby would only score twice in eleven PP opportunities, so the plan worked.
Those two goals, however, would prove to the be turning point in the game. With 13:38 to play in the third period, Athletics' Davis Langelade and Whitby's Tristan Dempers were each assessed Roughing minor penalties as part of an altercation instigated by Langelade and was clearly the aggressor. Dempers maintained enough discipline that Langelade was also assessed a five minute major for roughing and a ten minute unsportsmanlike misconduct penalty. The Athletics trailed 10-7 at that time. By the time the Major penalty was over the score was 12-7 and the Athletics now needed at least five more goals with only 8.5 minutes to play, and still hold Whitby to scoring zero goals. They accomplished the second task, and in outscoring Whitby 3-2 in the third period climbed to the 10 goals they would have needed to tie the game had the penalty not taken place. Whitby managed to keep the Athletics at arms-length, run out the clock, and secure the victory.
The Warriors await their next opponent in the Best of Five Second Round. Their opponent is yet to be determined as two Quarter-Final Rounds still continue. The schedule will be posted as soon as it is available.
Whitby eliminates St. Catharines in series sweep.
After a tense Game One 12-11 win in St. Catharines, Whitby came home looking to continue their home dominance and go for the series sweep. The Warriors were 9-1 on home floor this regular season, and made it 11-1 after eliminating the Athletics with a 12-10 win.
The second game was never in doubt as Whitby opened quickly and had a 7-2 lead into the intermission. The game was essentially over as they never looked back and just kept scoring, finishing the game 18-5. The Athletics attempted some engagement in fights and altercations with the Warriors, but to no avail as they maintained their discipline and sought to stick to business and finish the game.
Game Three looked like a playoff game with one team facing elimination. All the elements were present as both teams played with pace, focus and intensity. St. Catharines stuck to their game plan of focusing on Brock Haley, trying to neutralize him as well as possible, For Whitby 5-on-4 power plays became 4-on-3 power plays as Haley would stand behind the Athletics net, and St. Catharines would commit a player to stand with him. Athletics' Head Coach Steve Toll felt Whitby would have to beat his squad on the power play without Haley, who would finish the night with one goal and four assists.. Whitby would only score twice in eleven PP opportunities, so the plan worked.
Those two goals, however, would prove to the be turning point in the game. With 13:38 to play in the third period, Athletics' Davis Langelade and Whitby's Tristan Dempers were each assessed Roughing minor penalties as part of an altercation instigated by Langelade and was clearly the aggressor. Dempers maintained enough discipline that Langelade was also assessed a five minute major for roughing and a ten minute unsportsmanlike misconduct penalty. The Athletics trailed 10-7 at that time. By the time the Major penalty was over the score was 12-7 and the Athletics now needed at least five more goals with only 8.5 minutes to play, and still hold Whitby to scoring zero goals. They accomplished the second task, and in outscoring Whitby 3-2 in the third period climbed to the 10 goals they would have needed to tie the game had the penalty not taken place. Whitby managed to keep the Athletics at arms-length, run out the clock, and secure the victory.
The Warriors await their next opponent in the Best of Five Second Round. Their opponent is yet to be determined as two Quarter-Final Rounds still continue. The schedule will be posted as soon as it is available.
July 5, 2022
Whitby falls short in Overtime to Mimico 15-14
The Mimico Mountaineers avenged their home loss to Whitby with a win in Whitby tonight. Carson Moyer netted his fourth goal, and fifth point of the night, with the winner at the 7:41 mark of the OT period on an outside shot which Whitby netminder Liam Wright stopped, mostly. The ball found it's way through Wright and slowly rolled over the line despite the efforts of a diving Ben Macdonnell to retrieve the ball before it found the mesh.
This contest had the potential to be either a defensive gem, or an offensive display. It turned out to be the latter of the two as the the teams would put up 29 goals on the evening, in large part due to the tremendous speed of the game. The constant high pace led to numerous forced turnovers, quick attacks, rebounds and transitions, and scoring opportunities. Led by league leading scorer Finlay Thomson, who would finish with six goals and two assists, Mimico was firing quickly and on target, racking up seven goals to Whitby's four in the first period. Whitby's scoring was led by Brock Haley (5 G, 3 A) and Adam Poitras (1G, 5A). Gabe Sorichetti notched five points on the evening for Whitby.
The Mountaineers netted two more goals in the second, which motivated Whitby Head Coach Shawn Williams to make a goalie change. Starting goaltender Kaleb Martin left after Mimico's ninth goal at the 6:59 mark of the second period. The move seemed to spark the team as they would battle to a tie in the period at five goals each, leaving them trailing by three headed into the final frame.
The third period displayed a tough Whitby defence as they would hold Mimico, who along with having the league leader in scoring is also the team with the most goals scored, to only two goals through the frame. Outscoring Mimico 5-2 in the third, Whitby managed to force overtime with a final goal by Parker Pipher with 2:11 to play and some key stops by Wright in the final minute of the period.
Overtime saw a couple of chances for each side turned away by Wright and Mimico starter Owen Drew, then the eventual winner by Moyer would finish the game.
The loss drops Whitby to six losses on the season, and depending on how their final two games play out, they should remain in the top four of the league headed into the playoffs, securing home floor in the first round. Updates will be provided on the playoff schedule once it becomes available.
Whitby falls short in Overtime to Mimico 15-14
The Mimico Mountaineers avenged their home loss to Whitby with a win in Whitby tonight. Carson Moyer netted his fourth goal, and fifth point of the night, with the winner at the 7:41 mark of the OT period on an outside shot which Whitby netminder Liam Wright stopped, mostly. The ball found it's way through Wright and slowly rolled over the line despite the efforts of a diving Ben Macdonnell to retrieve the ball before it found the mesh.
This contest had the potential to be either a defensive gem, or an offensive display. It turned out to be the latter of the two as the the teams would put up 29 goals on the evening, in large part due to the tremendous speed of the game. The constant high pace led to numerous forced turnovers, quick attacks, rebounds and transitions, and scoring opportunities. Led by league leading scorer Finlay Thomson, who would finish with six goals and two assists, Mimico was firing quickly and on target, racking up seven goals to Whitby's four in the first period. Whitby's scoring was led by Brock Haley (5 G, 3 A) and Adam Poitras (1G, 5A). Gabe Sorichetti notched five points on the evening for Whitby.
The Mountaineers netted two more goals in the second, which motivated Whitby Head Coach Shawn Williams to make a goalie change. Starting goaltender Kaleb Martin left after Mimico's ninth goal at the 6:59 mark of the second period. The move seemed to spark the team as they would battle to a tie in the period at five goals each, leaving them trailing by three headed into the final frame.
The third period displayed a tough Whitby defence as they would hold Mimico, who along with having the league leader in scoring is also the team with the most goals scored, to only two goals through the frame. Outscoring Mimico 5-2 in the third, Whitby managed to force overtime with a final goal by Parker Pipher with 2:11 to play and some key stops by Wright in the final minute of the period.
Overtime saw a couple of chances for each side turned away by Wright and Mimico starter Owen Drew, then the eventual winner by Moyer would finish the game.
The loss drops Whitby to six losses on the season, and depending on how their final two games play out, they should remain in the top four of the league headed into the playoffs, securing home floor in the first round. Updates will be provided on the playoff schedule once it becomes available.
July 5, 2022
Whitby in control of their own playoff fate with game tonight
With all the teams having played at least 17 of their scheduled 20 games this season, the final two or three games will decide the final playoff positions as no one has pulled away from the pack, and five teams are within range of the top seed. Tonight in Whitby the first place Mimico Mountaineers visit the third place Warriors in the back half of their season series, which Whitby won on the road in Mimico.
Mimico currently sits atop the standings with 26 points through 17 games. Whitby has 24 through 17, and sits behind Toronto Beaches who have 26 through 18 games played. Whitby has the ability to position itself very well with a win tonight as the remaining schedule after tonight for Whitby are both on the road, in Six Nations and finally in Kitchener-Waterloo. Both of these squads are below .500 and Whitby has defeated both this season.
Mimico's path to first place is by far the most difficult. Facing Whitby tonight, then the Orangeville Northmen (22 points through 17 games) and finally the Oakville Buzz (24 points through 17 games).
Toronto Beaches have the easiest remaining schedule as they face only K-W in a home-at-home finale. With only one win on the season, K-W remains a team in rebuild mode.
The Oakville Buzz face Mimico in their final game of the season, which may be their most important for determining their playoff seeding. They face the two-win Brampton Excelsiors before Mimico, so will be looking to secure those two points before the Mimico tilt.
The Orangeville Northmen are a little bit behind with 22 points in 17 games, and have three remaining games against teams with a record of .500 or better. Theirs is an uphill battle to secure home floor in the first round of the playoffs.
Adding to the intensity of tonight's battle in Whitby is the scoring race as it nears the finish line. Finlay Thomson of Mimico is the current league leader with 106 points. Willem Firth of Beaches is second with 101 and Whitby's Brock Haley is third with 91 points. Adam Poitras of Whitby is fourth in league scoring with 84. Both Poitras and Haley have played fewer games than Thomson or Firth, and with the schedules the way they are, the final results of the league scoring race will be very interesting to watch. Will tonight showcase a battle of offence with Whitby, or will the defences key on these top scorers to prevent any major point accumulations?
After this evening, the playoff picture will be much clearer for one of Mimico and Whitby. Game time is 7:30 Pm at IPSC.
Whitby in control of their own playoff fate with game tonight
With all the teams having played at least 17 of their scheduled 20 games this season, the final two or three games will decide the final playoff positions as no one has pulled away from the pack, and five teams are within range of the top seed. Tonight in Whitby the first place Mimico Mountaineers visit the third place Warriors in the back half of their season series, which Whitby won on the road in Mimico.
Mimico currently sits atop the standings with 26 points through 17 games. Whitby has 24 through 17, and sits behind Toronto Beaches who have 26 through 18 games played. Whitby has the ability to position itself very well with a win tonight as the remaining schedule after tonight for Whitby are both on the road, in Six Nations and finally in Kitchener-Waterloo. Both of these squads are below .500 and Whitby has defeated both this season.
Mimico's path to first place is by far the most difficult. Facing Whitby tonight, then the Orangeville Northmen (22 points through 17 games) and finally the Oakville Buzz (24 points through 17 games).
Toronto Beaches have the easiest remaining schedule as they face only K-W in a home-at-home finale. With only one win on the season, K-W remains a team in rebuild mode.
The Oakville Buzz face Mimico in their final game of the season, which may be their most important for determining their playoff seeding. They face the two-win Brampton Excelsiors before Mimico, so will be looking to secure those two points before the Mimico tilt.
The Orangeville Northmen are a little bit behind with 22 points in 17 games, and have three remaining games against teams with a record of .500 or better. Theirs is an uphill battle to secure home floor in the first round of the playoffs.
Adding to the intensity of tonight's battle in Whitby is the scoring race as it nears the finish line. Finlay Thomson of Mimico is the current league leader with 106 points. Willem Firth of Beaches is second with 101 and Whitby's Brock Haley is third with 91 points. Adam Poitras of Whitby is fourth in league scoring with 84. Both Poitras and Haley have played fewer games than Thomson or Firth, and with the schedules the way they are, the final results of the league scoring race will be very interesting to watch. Will tonight showcase a battle of offence with Whitby, or will the defences key on these top scorers to prevent any major point accumulations?
After this evening, the playoff picture will be much clearer for one of Mimico and Whitby. Game time is 7:30 Pm at IPSC.
June 24, 2022
Whitby and Oakville battle for first place
Whitby increased it’s win streak to 6 with a 13-8 victory over the visiting Oakville Buzz, and with it moved into first place in the standings in the league. With another strong performance by top scorers Brock Haley (3G-4A) and Adam Poitras (4G-3A), the Whitby offence was able to score when they needed to in order to secure the win. Kaleb Martin got the start for Whitby and together with strong defence, kept Oakville of the board in the first period, finishing 5-0.
The second period was a better one for Oakville. Getting on the board one-minute-twenty seconds into the frame, they would end the period having outscored Whitby 7-4 and closing the deficit to just two coming into the third period at 9-7. The story of the second period was goaltending. Oakville starter Aden Walsh found his game and made numerous key saves which sparked the Oakville squad. Their offence continued to generate opportunities and this period these found their way past Martin. Though the scoring for Whitby was consistent in terms of goals scored, the period was clearly won by Oakville, as they increased their intensity to match Whitby’s, giving this game a very real playoff feel.
The third period saw Whitby continue with consistent opportunities on offence, posting four more goals. Their defence, however, was the star as they held Oakville to only one goal, using constant pressure, particularly in the mid-floor, forcing Oakville into multiple over-and-back turnovers. Martin regained his first period form, turning aside all but one Oakville shot.
The win moves Whitby into first place in the league, tied with Oakville and Mimico, with Mimico having two games in hand over both Oakville and Whitby. Whitby hosts Burlington Tuesday June 28 at 7:30 PM at IPSC in their next home game.
Whitby and Oakville battle for first place
Whitby increased it’s win streak to 6 with a 13-8 victory over the visiting Oakville Buzz, and with it moved into first place in the standings in the league. With another strong performance by top scorers Brock Haley (3G-4A) and Adam Poitras (4G-3A), the Whitby offence was able to score when they needed to in order to secure the win. Kaleb Martin got the start for Whitby and together with strong defence, kept Oakville of the board in the first period, finishing 5-0.
The second period was a better one for Oakville. Getting on the board one-minute-twenty seconds into the frame, they would end the period having outscored Whitby 7-4 and closing the deficit to just two coming into the third period at 9-7. The story of the second period was goaltending. Oakville starter Aden Walsh found his game and made numerous key saves which sparked the Oakville squad. Their offence continued to generate opportunities and this period these found their way past Martin. Though the scoring for Whitby was consistent in terms of goals scored, the period was clearly won by Oakville, as they increased their intensity to match Whitby’s, giving this game a very real playoff feel.
The third period saw Whitby continue with consistent opportunities on offence, posting four more goals. Their defence, however, was the star as they held Oakville to only one goal, using constant pressure, particularly in the mid-floor, forcing Oakville into multiple over-and-back turnovers. Martin regained his first period form, turning aside all but one Oakville shot.
The win moves Whitby into first place in the league, tied with Oakville and Mimico, with Mimico having two games in hand over both Oakville and Whitby. Whitby hosts Burlington Tuesday June 28 at 7:30 PM at IPSC in their next home game.
June 22, 2022
Whitby Defence Too Much for Brampton Excelsiors
The Brampton Excelsiors came into tonight’s contest with the Warriors having only won once this season. For starting goaltender Connor O’Toole he probably knew he would be in for a busy night, as the 9-4 Warriors lead the league in goals scored this season. O’Toole was up to the task as he was a very busy goalie this evening and though his team fell 9-3, the score could have been much different if not for O’Toole’s very strong play.
The Warriors came out strong and took the play to Brampton right from the start. What appeared different this game compared to some previously is that the Warriors seemed to have an extra jump in their step when it came to loose ball pursuit. Repeatedly they were able to corral rebounds in front of the Brampton net to extend offensive possession, or aggressively seek out the ball in the mid-floor when their press caused poor passes from Brampton. This pressure lead to a dominant first period, and indeed the game, as Whitby controlled all the major categories in the game: time of possession, shots on goals, assists, and of course, score. When Brampton did manage to set up an offensive possession, Whitby applied a steady diet of double-teams and relentless individual pressure to keep Brampton on the perimeter of the defence throughout the night.
Liam Wright was steady in net for Whitby and when called upon to make a save was perfect for all but three shots. Whitby’s offence was led by Jack Budway and Brock Haley with six points each. Adam Poitras added four assists and Parker Pipher added three. Haley now leads the league in scoring with 79 points and a 7.9 points per game average. Poitras is now second in league scoring with 67 points in 12 games, and sits one assist behind league leader Parker Pipher.
The Warriors play their second consecutive Friday home game this Friday June 24 when they host the Oakville Buzz for Minor Lacrosse Night. Game time is 7:30 at IPSC.
Whitby Defence Too Much for Brampton Excelsiors
The Brampton Excelsiors came into tonight’s contest with the Warriors having only won once this season. For starting goaltender Connor O’Toole he probably knew he would be in for a busy night, as the 9-4 Warriors lead the league in goals scored this season. O’Toole was up to the task as he was a very busy goalie this evening and though his team fell 9-3, the score could have been much different if not for O’Toole’s very strong play.
The Warriors came out strong and took the play to Brampton right from the start. What appeared different this game compared to some previously is that the Warriors seemed to have an extra jump in their step when it came to loose ball pursuit. Repeatedly they were able to corral rebounds in front of the Brampton net to extend offensive possession, or aggressively seek out the ball in the mid-floor when their press caused poor passes from Brampton. This pressure lead to a dominant first period, and indeed the game, as Whitby controlled all the major categories in the game: time of possession, shots on goals, assists, and of course, score. When Brampton did manage to set up an offensive possession, Whitby applied a steady diet of double-teams and relentless individual pressure to keep Brampton on the perimeter of the defence throughout the night.
Liam Wright was steady in net for Whitby and when called upon to make a save was perfect for all but three shots. Whitby’s offence was led by Jack Budway and Brock Haley with six points each. Adam Poitras added four assists and Parker Pipher added three. Haley now leads the league in scoring with 79 points and a 7.9 points per game average. Poitras is now second in league scoring with 67 points in 12 games, and sits one assist behind league leader Parker Pipher.
The Warriors play their second consecutive Friday home game this Friday June 24 when they host the Oakville Buzz for Minor Lacrosse Night. Game time is 7:30 at IPSC.
June 14, 2022
Whitby runs away from KW immediately
After going 1-1 over the past weekend with a loss in Orangeville in the final second of the game Friday, and a win in Brampton Sunday, Whitby came home tonight to host a KW team still looking to earn their first victory of the season. They will have to continue that search as they lost handily 29-5.
Jack Budway scored what would be the game winning goal before the half-way mark of the first period as the Warriors put up 11 goals in the first period and 11 in the second while only having surrendered three by the same point in the game. Kaleb Martin got the win for Whitby and was called upon on a few occasions to make some key saves to contribute to the win.
The game, encouragingly, maintained its intensity and professionalism despite the score. KW continued to battle the entire game, and Whitby neither let up on the score sheet nor embarrassed their opponents with unnecessary celebrations after a goal or trying to create scoring opportunities outside of their normal offensive sets. A tip of the cap goes to both coaching staffs for having team cultures which maintain the focus of their squads in such a match as this was tonight.
The Warriors welcome the Orangeville Northmen this Friday June 17 @ 7:30 PM.
Whitby runs away from KW immediately
After going 1-1 over the past weekend with a loss in Orangeville in the final second of the game Friday, and a win in Brampton Sunday, Whitby came home tonight to host a KW team still looking to earn their first victory of the season. They will have to continue that search as they lost handily 29-5.
Jack Budway scored what would be the game winning goal before the half-way mark of the first period as the Warriors put up 11 goals in the first period and 11 in the second while only having surrendered three by the same point in the game. Kaleb Martin got the win for Whitby and was called upon on a few occasions to make some key saves to contribute to the win.
The game, encouragingly, maintained its intensity and professionalism despite the score. KW continued to battle the entire game, and Whitby neither let up on the score sheet nor embarrassed their opponents with unnecessary celebrations after a goal or trying to create scoring opportunities outside of their normal offensive sets. A tip of the cap goes to both coaching staffs for having team cultures which maintain the focus of their squads in such a match as this was tonight.
The Warriors welcome the Orangeville Northmen this Friday June 17 @ 7:30 PM.
June 7, 2022
Whitby rebounds from weekend loss to beat Peterborough
When a loss in the backside of the back-to-back with the St. Catherines Athletics this past Saturday, Whitby was looking for some home floor help as they took on the Peterborough Lakers Tuesday night, and put some space between the two teams in the standings. They were able to do that with a 13-11 win which helps them set up for a weekend which could see them earn some important points.
The Lakers game was representative of two teams tied in the standings and in the middle of those standings. Trailing after one period 3-2, Whitby would outscore Peterborough 6-3 in the second for an 8-6 lead, and they would each score five times in the final frame to complete the game 13-11. Highlights of the night were courtesy of Gabe Sorichetti and Jack Budway with their first Jr. A goals of the season, Brock Haley doing Brock Haley things with another 10 point night, and Laker goalie Jackson Hainer with a shot-rebound-shot-rebound-shot-rebound-shot-rebound save sequence in the second period which was nothing short of spectacular. The Warriors would score shortly after that sequence but it may be one of the best of the season. The game was one of timing in the goal department, as the game winner by Haley would not come until 2:03 remained in the game.
The Warriors now gear up for two road games on the weekend, Friday in Orangeville and Sunday in Brampton. The next home game is Tuesday June 14 at 7:30 against Kitchener-Waterloo.
Whitby rebounds from weekend loss to beat Peterborough
When a loss in the backside of the back-to-back with the St. Catherines Athletics this past Saturday, Whitby was looking for some home floor help as they took on the Peterborough Lakers Tuesday night, and put some space between the two teams in the standings. They were able to do that with a 13-11 win which helps them set up for a weekend which could see them earn some important points.
The Lakers game was representative of two teams tied in the standings and in the middle of those standings. Trailing after one period 3-2, Whitby would outscore Peterborough 6-3 in the second for an 8-6 lead, and they would each score five times in the final frame to complete the game 13-11. Highlights of the night were courtesy of Gabe Sorichetti and Jack Budway with their first Jr. A goals of the season, Brock Haley doing Brock Haley things with another 10 point night, and Laker goalie Jackson Hainer with a shot-rebound-shot-rebound-shot-rebound-shot-rebound save sequence in the second period which was nothing short of spectacular. The Warriors would score shortly after that sequence but it may be one of the best of the season. The game was one of timing in the goal department, as the game winner by Haley would not come until 2:03 remained in the game.
The Warriors now gear up for two road games on the weekend, Friday in Orangeville and Sunday in Brampton. The next home game is Tuesday June 14 at 7:30 against Kitchener-Waterloo.
May 31, 2022
Warriors offence erupts for 17-5 win over St. Catherines Athletics
In a complete performance reversal from just two days earlier, Whitby's offence had plenty of rhythm as all the scoring it would need to secure the game was provided in the first period of play. Scoring five times to the visiting Athletics' zero output, and adding twelve more during the contest, the two goals St. Catherines could manage in the second period, and the three in third, were merely items of mention and of no consequence to the outcome of the game.
Leading Whitby's scoring was Adam Poitras with ten points (five goals and five assists), Brock Haley with nine points (four and five) and Parker Pipher (three and four). Poitras's performance moved him into third in league scoring, two points behind Pipher, who leads the league in Assists with nineteen. Kaleb Martin got the win in the net for Whitby.
The second period, as far as scoring was concerned, was a tame affair, as no scoring would occur until three quarters of the period had passes, then the teams would combine for five goals scored before the period was out. Whitby would take an 8-2 lead into the dressing room.
The third was another Whitby explosion, scoring nine times, chasing Athletics starting goaltender Austin Paddy midway through the third period. Coupled with some flaring tempers, the third period provided some excitement which may carry over to the rematch this coming Saturday as the Warriors will travel to St. Catherines for an afternoon tilt.
The Warriors now improve to 4-2-0 on the season. Their next home game is Tuesday June 7 at IPSC at 7:30 PM against the visiting Peterborough Lakers.
Warriors offence erupts for 17-5 win over St. Catherines Athletics
In a complete performance reversal from just two days earlier, Whitby's offence had plenty of rhythm as all the scoring it would need to secure the game was provided in the first period of play. Scoring five times to the visiting Athletics' zero output, and adding twelve more during the contest, the two goals St. Catherines could manage in the second period, and the three in third, were merely items of mention and of no consequence to the outcome of the game.
Leading Whitby's scoring was Adam Poitras with ten points (five goals and five assists), Brock Haley with nine points (four and five) and Parker Pipher (three and four). Poitras's performance moved him into third in league scoring, two points behind Pipher, who leads the league in Assists with nineteen. Kaleb Martin got the win in the net for Whitby.
The second period, as far as scoring was concerned, was a tame affair, as no scoring would occur until three quarters of the period had passes, then the teams would combine for five goals scored before the period was out. Whitby would take an 8-2 lead into the dressing room.
The third was another Whitby explosion, scoring nine times, chasing Athletics starting goaltender Austin Paddy midway through the third period. Coupled with some flaring tempers, the third period provided some excitement which may carry over to the rematch this coming Saturday as the Warriors will travel to St. Catherines for an afternoon tilt.
The Warriors now improve to 4-2-0 on the season. Their next home game is Tuesday June 7 at IPSC at 7:30 PM against the visiting Peterborough Lakers.
May 29, 2022
Whitby offence struggles to find it's rhythm
The Whitby Warriors and Burlington Chiefs battled to a tight two-goal victory for Burlington in front of their home crowd, and improve their record to 2-3, while Whitby falls to 3-2. Tonight's contest saw a two-goal difference in the final score, and a two-shot difference in the game shot count.
The opening period only saw three goals, two for Burlington and one for Whitby, and none coming until almost a full thirteen minutes into the game when Adam Poitras opened the scoring with his first of two goal on the night. In his first start of the season, Whitby Goalie Liam Wright recorded his first assist of the season on Poitras' marker. Burlington would answer with one even-strength goal and one Power Play goal to close the period. Shots were 14-9 for Burlington.
The second period emphasized the equality of the game, as both sides would score four goals apiece, two even-strength plus two on Special Teams, and the shots would finish 19-17 for Burlington. The only notable difference were in penalty minutes, with Whitby taking twelve minutes during the period to Burlington's six. After two periods it remained a one-goal game, 6-5 Burlington.
Whitby's third period was a shooting advantage as they would fire almost twice as many shots at Burlington netminder Mitch Dunham as the Chiefs' shooters would put toward Wright. Whitby outshot Burlington 19-10 in the final frame but Dunham was up to the task, turning away seventeen of the attempts to secure the win for his side. Whitby's Michael Andersson would knot the game at 7-7 with just over half of the period to play, and Burlington would pot the winner with just six minutes to play, then add another in the final two minutes. Final score 9-7 Burlington.
Whitby hosts St. Catharines on Tuesday May 31 at Iroquois Park Sports Centre at 7:30 PM.
Whitby offence struggles to find it's rhythm
The Whitby Warriors and Burlington Chiefs battled to a tight two-goal victory for Burlington in front of their home crowd, and improve their record to 2-3, while Whitby falls to 3-2. Tonight's contest saw a two-goal difference in the final score, and a two-shot difference in the game shot count.
The opening period only saw three goals, two for Burlington and one for Whitby, and none coming until almost a full thirteen minutes into the game when Adam Poitras opened the scoring with his first of two goal on the night. In his first start of the season, Whitby Goalie Liam Wright recorded his first assist of the season on Poitras' marker. Burlington would answer with one even-strength goal and one Power Play goal to close the period. Shots were 14-9 for Burlington.
The second period emphasized the equality of the game, as both sides would score four goals apiece, two even-strength plus two on Special Teams, and the shots would finish 19-17 for Burlington. The only notable difference were in penalty minutes, with Whitby taking twelve minutes during the period to Burlington's six. After two periods it remained a one-goal game, 6-5 Burlington.
Whitby's third period was a shooting advantage as they would fire almost twice as many shots at Burlington netminder Mitch Dunham as the Chiefs' shooters would put toward Wright. Whitby outshot Burlington 19-10 in the final frame but Dunham was up to the task, turning away seventeen of the attempts to secure the win for his side. Whitby's Michael Andersson would knot the game at 7-7 with just over half of the period to play, and Burlington would pot the winner with just six minutes to play, then add another in the final two minutes. Final score 9-7 Burlington.
Whitby hosts St. Catharines on Tuesday May 31 at Iroquois Park Sports Centre at 7:30 PM.