Kings Add Size, Scoring To Roster
Saturday January 22, 2005
ORILLIA -- Where's The Beef? That's one phrase Jr. A lacrosse fans
probably won't be uttering next May, when they head to the Rama MASK
to watch their favourite team in action.
Participating in the 2005 Ontario Lacrosse Association midget entry
draft, held last weekend in Toronto, the Rama Hammond Kings Jr. A
Lacrosse Club added significant weight to their lineup.
Under the direction of Kings head coach and general manager Brad
MacArthur, the Rama went deep into the draft and made a total of six
selections over two rounds.
"It's a new beginning of sorts," said MacArthur, speaking earlier this
week with Orillia Today.
Peterborough held the No.1 pick in the draft, but ended up trading it to
St. Catharines, who then selected Kevin Floris from Niagara.
With their No. 2 pick, the Kings selected Garrett Ince, a 16-year-old
from Oakville.
At six feet tall and 210 pounds, Ince brings size and scoring to the
Kings lineup. In seven games with Oakville of the Jr. B league, Ince
collected 26 points in seven games.
"We knew we were going to get either Floris or Ince and we knew either
player was going to help our team," said MacArthur.
The head coach characterizes Ince as an "impact player," who will
definitely help the Kings offensively, when he signs with the team.
A right-handed shot, Ince has strong running ability and knows how to
put the ball in the net.
For their second pick, the Kings selected Josh Lucier from Wallaceburg
eighth overall.
Another player with Jr. B experience, the 16-year-old Lucier has size
and is strong defensively.
"Lucier knows the area well and has family living in Orillia," said
MacArthur.
Two picks later, the Kings selected Ryan Milling from Windsor .
"Milling is also 16, is more of a defensive player, can move the ball
fast and has potential for size," said MacArthur.
With the 14th pick overall, Rama selected 16-year-old Michael Gillan
from Caledon. Despite being six-foot-one and 210 pounds, Gillan brings
speed and ball-handling ability to the Kings.
With their fourth pick, Rama selected Adam Cobb, another 16-year-old
with Jr. B experience behind him.
"Cobb is a defensive-type player with tremendous speed. He played last
season with Sarnia in the Jr. B loop. He's five-foot-10 and 175 pounds
and has good determination," said MacArthur.
With their sixth and final draft pick, the Kings chose Kyle McCarthy
20th overall from Hamilton.
"Kyle is also a defensive type player who knows his role on a team and
loves doing it. At six feet and 230 pounds, he was the biggest player we
selected in the draft," said MacArthur.
After taking time to study his selections this week, the head coach said
he said the team has definitely bulked up.
"With six picks, we got a lot bigger in one day," said MacArthur.
With the draft now completed, MacArthur will now turn his attention to
the selection of a second assistant coach.
Earlier, he filled one assistants vacancy with the naming of former
Kings forward Mike Fryer to the coaching staff.
"Right now, I'm putting out the word and seeing what interest there is.
"The key is selecting the most viable candidate and that might not be
someone locally," said MacArthur.
The other big off-season project will be an aggressive marketing
program, designed to attract new team sponsors.
"I'll be going out and talking to businesses and inviting them to become
part of what I feel will be an exciting lacrosse team for people to
watch," he said.
In February, the head coach also plans on holding informal indoor
workouts, thereby providing players with a jump on training camp.
Family Affair In Philly
For Sandersons
By MIKE KOREEN: TORONTO SUN
Saturday January 22, 2005
PHILADELPHIA -- THE CITY of Brotherly Love plays host to two battling
brothers tonight. A Sanderson reunion will take place when five members
of the Orangeville family participate in a National Lacrosse League game
between the Philadelphia Wings (1-1) and the visiting Toronto Rock
(2-0).
Rock general manager/coach Terry Sanderson, 52, will see little brother/
Wings counterpart Lindsay Sanderson, 50, and nephew/Wings assistant
coach Chris Sanderson behind the other bench. Meanwhile, Terry's son,
Josh, and Lindsay's son, Phil, will suit up for the East
Division-leading Rock.
"I used to talk to (Terry) every day," said Lindsay, who was an
assistant under Terry last season with the Rock before accepting the top
job with the rebuilding Wings.
"I don't talk to him as much anymore. It's put a bit of a strain on the
brotherly relationship," Lindsay added with a smile.
Lindsay is 0-2 against Terry in NLL play, with the latter coaching his
Montreal Express to two victories over the Ottawa Rebel in 2002.
Lindsay, while with Ottawa, also lost his only game against Phil when
the defender played for the Albany Attack.
"Any time you get to play your son or your brother, it brings another
twist to it," said Lindsay, who works for a natural gas company in
Toronto and travels to Philadelphia on Wednesdays for practice. "But
we're all going to try to win and I don't think it really carries over
to the next day."
Five Sandersons have played in the current NLL, while Terry won a title
in the old NLL as a player with Quebec City in the mid-1970s. Terry, one
of six brothers, and Lindsay, never picked up lacrosse sticks until the
family moved to Orangeville from Nova Scotia when the boys were
teenagers.
Since then, Terry has gone on to win three national junior titles and
two senior titles as a coach. In 1995, seven Sandersons helped
Orangeville win the Minto Cup junior crown.
"(The Sandersons) are Orangeville lacrosse," Rock captain Jim Veltman
said. "There are a lot of them and there are more to come. They bring a
great intensity and a (deep) desire to win. They've worked hard for
everything they've got."
The latest Sanderson prospect is 10-month-old Cameron, son of Josh.
"(Cameron) has got one of those little wooden sticks and he whacks
things with it," Terry, a proud grandfather, said. "If he wants to (play
lacrosse), he has got the bloodlines for it."
Redmen Ready For Draft
Set To Select Wailes First Overall
From durham.com
Thursday January 20, 2005
BROOKLIN -- The Brooklin Redmen will add at least five young local
players to the talent pool for next season.
Four have been protected from the Whitby Warriors and one - Kyle Wailes
- is almost certain to be chosen first overall during the Major Series
draft Saturday.
Redmen general manager Barry Johnson has confirmed he will use the first
pick, which was acquired in a trade with the expansion Barrie
Lakeshores, to scoop up Wailes, even though it's questionable he'll play
this coming season.
Wailes was named the OLA Jr. A most valuable player last season after
leading the league in scoring with the Toronto Beaches. He played minor
lacrosse in Whitby, Jr. B lacrosse in Clarington, field lacrosse in
Oshawa, and is currently on a lacrosse scholarship at Brown University
in Rhode Island.
It's the scholarship that would prevent him from playing this summer
unless he is given special permission from the university. Johnson says
it's worth the risk to draft a talent like Wailes, even if he can't get
him in a Redmen uniform until 2006.
As for the graduating Warriors he was able to protect prior to the
draft, Johnson has secured the rights to Matt Taylor, Ryan Sharp, Casey
Logeman and David Campbell.
Taylor had 25-20-45 totals in 13 regular season games and scored a
whopping 31 times in 20 playoffs games for the Warriors last season.
Sharp played all 20 games of both the regular season and playoffs, with
19-16-35 stats in the former and 16-9-25 stats in the latter.
Logeman had two goals and seven assists in 20 games all told for the
Warriors, while Campbell, the younger brother of Scott Campbell of the
Redmen, is expected to add some toughness after compiling 150 penalty
minutes in 32 games.
Lakeshores Complete Trades
By Mike Kloepfer
Thursday January 20, 2005
BARRIE -- The Barrie Lakeshores Major Lacrosse Club have completed 2
trades as they continue to prepare for their 2005 Inaugural Major Series
Season.
The first deal saw the Lakeshores send Mike Carroll to the Brooklin
Redmen for Andrew Hawke.
With Hawke, the Lakeshores bring home a local player who played his Jr.
Lacrosse in Orillia before spending the past 2 seasons with the Redmen.
The Orillia native is currently attending Elmira College in the US on a
scholarship
The Lakeshores next trade saw them receive two first round picks in this
weekends Major Series Entry Draft along with Matt Marchildon from the
St.Catharines Majors for financial considerations. Barrie will pick 3rd
and 4th overall in the first round. Marchildon is an Orangeville native
who spent last season with the Akwesasne Thunder of the Major Series
where he scored 23 goals and 20 assists for 43 points in 15 games before
being traded to St. Catharines in the off-season. Matt entered the 2005
season as part of the Toronto Rock roster.
For further information, please contact Lakeshores Lacrosse at (705)
735-5214 or email lakeshorelacrosse@rogers.com
Expansion Draft
By Mike Kloepfer
Thursday January 20, 2005
BARRIE -- The Barrie Lakeshores have made their selections in the 2005
Ontario Major Series Expansion Draft.
The draft allowed Barrie to choose 1 player from each teams reduced
protected list.
The following players were selected:
From the Akwesasne Thunder: John Tarbell
From the Brampton Excelsiors: Brian Kazarian
From the Brooklin Redmen: Dan Booker
From the Peterborough Lakers: Dan Finck
From the Six Nations: Phil Parsons
From the St. Catharines: Andy Dudin
Both Kazarian and Finck are currently playing in the National Lacrosse
League for the Buffalo Bandits and the Philadelphia Wings respectively.
The organization is very happy with their picks and look forward to
welcoming these players to the Lakeshores.
For further information, please contact Lakeshores Lacrosse at (705)
735-5214 or email lakeshoreslacrosse@rogers.com.
Kings Select Six In OLA Draft
Garett Ince From Oakville 2nd Overall
Wednesday January 19, 2005
MNJIKANING -- The Rama Hammond Kings Jr."A" Lacrosse Club selected six
players in the OLA Junior "A" Midget Draft held in Toronto this past
Saturday. Prior to the draft the Kings held six picks in the draft
holding positions two, eight, and ten in the first round, and positions
fourteen, twenty, and twenty-one in the second round.
With the second overall pick in the draft, the Kings selected Garett
Ince of Oakville. Ince is a highly touted prospect that had many teams
in the draft interested and trying to move up with their selections.
"We had as many as four teams inquire about the draft choice prior to
taking Garett, but none of the offers were legitimate enough to make our
team better in the long run. It only seemed to be short term
solutions." explained Kings GM/Head Coach Brad MacArthur.
MacArthur elaborated on Ince a little more, “Garett is a ball player who
could come in and contribute to our line-up immediately. His drawback
was that he is in prep school nine months out of the year. He may want
to remain playing close to home. However, he was too valuable a player
to just bypass in the draft. My first choice is to have him play here,
but I will listen and entertain other options as long as they improve
the Kings. You never know, he may get a chance to visit the town, see
the facilities, meet the players and have a change of heart.”
With two more selections in the first round, MacArthur went to an area
he is very familiar with, in picking players from Zone 7 in southern
Ontario, where he grew up. With the 8th overall pick, Josh Lucier out
of Wallaceburg was selected, and 10th overall Ryan Milling from Windsor
was selected.
"Josh is an up and coming player who has size and room to grow. I think
he will fill out his 6' frame quite nicely and develop into a solid ball
player for us. He has an ability to put the ball in the net, and
possesses speed, which will bode well for the Junior A league.
Ryan is a bit of the opposite as he is primarily known for a defensive
prowess and again speed. He had the opportunity to play offense last
season and did well, so again a player who will develop."
In the second round of the draft, the Kings had three more picks and
used them to select Michael Gillan out of Caledon, Adam Cobb from
Sarnia, and Kyle McCarthy from Hamilton.
"In these three players, you've got some inexperience at playing in high
levels, but Mike was highly recommended, and even participated in the
OLA Prospects game. Adam played midget and Jr. B in Sarnia and was
regarded as a very good defender, someone who is tough as nails. Kyle
is a bit of a project. I think he is one of those kids that slipped
under the radar a little bit. He played in Hamilton and was a defensive
ball player. His size is attractive, but so was his enthusiasm when
talking to him, and his eagerness to develop. Kyle was also a
participant in the prospects game.”
Floris Goes First In 2005 Jr."A" Draft
By Mike McAuley
Wednesday January 19, 2005
TORONTO -- The Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) today announced the
results of the 2005 OLA Junior “A” Draft.
Kevin Floris of Niagara on the Lake, Ontario was selected first overall
by the St. Catharines Athletics. Floris, a member of last years St.
Catharines Jr. A squad was midget age, but played up thanks to his
talents. Scoring 36 points (17g,19a) in 18 games, St. Catharines was
impressed with his talents, and ensured he stuck around by drafting him
first overall. Kevin now joins St. Catharines along side seventh overall
pick Matt McLeod of Owen Sound.
Other early first round selections were Garrett Ince of Oakville picked
second by Orillia; Brian Learn of Fonthill picked third overall by
Burlington; Justin Gibson of Rockwood selected fourth by Mississauga and
Dustin Deleary of London picked fifth by the Burlington Chiefs.
According to OLA Junior “A” Commissioner Dean McLeod, the Junior “A”
Draft was initiated in 1976 as a vehicle to provide the top graduating,
non-affiliated Midget players with an opportunity to showcase their
skills at the Junior “A” level. “Additionally,” says McLeod, “the draft
helps create parity among league members by establishing selections
based on reverse order of finish from the previous season. A significant
number of draft choices over the years have participated in NLL, Mann
Cup and Minto Cup championships.”
At the 2005 OLA Junior “A” Draft, the Athletics continued to build for
the future. With only two picks in the draft, St. Catharines felt they
got the most of their efforts. In a surprise, Matt McLeod of Owen Sound
wasn’t chosen until the Athletics picked him up at the seven spot in the
first round. Once again, Orillia made the most selections with six.
Expansion Ottawa did not make a pick with their only choice 24th pick
overall.
In all, nineteen players were selected. A complete Draft list follows.
-END-
| Pick # |
Round |
Team Picking |
Player |
From / Player Centre |
| # 1 |
1 |
St.Catharines |
Kevin Floris |
NOTL |
| # 2 |
1 |
Orillia |
Garett Ince |
Oakville |
| # 3 |
1 |
Burlington |
Ryan Learn |
Fonthill |
| # 4 |
1 |
Mississauga |
Justin Gibson |
Rockwood |
| # 5 |
1 |
Burlington |
Dustin Deleary |
Elora |
| # 6 |
1 |
Mississauga |
Derek Foam |
Mimico |
| # 7 |
1 |
St.Catharines |
Matt Macleod |
Owen Sound |
| # 8 |
1 |
Orillia |
Josh Lucier |
Wallaceburg |
| # 9 |
1 |
Six Nations |
Jerome Thompson |
Akwesasne |
| # 10 |
1 |
Orillia |
Ryan Milling |
Windsor |
| # 11 |
1 |
Brampton |
Tom Boucher |
Hunstville |
| # 12 |
1 |
Brampton |
Patrick Lee |
Newmarket |
| Pick # |
Round |
Team Picking |
Player |
From / Player Centre |
| # 13 |
2 |
Mississauga |
Braydon Artem |
Halton Hills |
| # 14 |
2 |
Orillia |
Michael Gillan |
Caledon |
| # 15 |
2 |
K-W |
Mackenzie Abott |
Hamilton |
| # 16 |
2 |
Brampton |
Stephen Farady |
West Durham |
| # 17 |
2 |
Mississauga |
Mark Richards |
Caledon |
| # 18 |
2 |
K-W |
Pass |
Pass |
| # 19 |
2 |
Six Nations |
Pass |
Pass |
| # 20 |
2 |
Orillia |
Adam Cobb |
Sarnia |
| # 21 |
2 |
Orillia |
Kyle McCarthy |
Hamilton |
| # 22 |
2 |
Whitby |
Pass |
Pass |
| # 23 |
2 |
Orangeville |
Pass |
Pass |
| # 24 |
2 |
Ottawa |
Pass |
Pass |
Titans Use 1st Draft Pick to
Bring Home Kyle Buchanan
Wednesday January 19, 2005
OTTAWA — In keeping with the philosophy of developing local lacrosse
players, the Ottawa Titans traded the first draft pick in the history of
the team to acquire the playing rights to Kyle Buchanan. Titans' General
Manager, Andy Mutch noted, "Kyle is an exciting player to watch and we
are very pleased to get him back to Ottawa".
Kyle Buchanan was a 1st round, 6th overall pick by the Peterborough
Lakers in the 2004 OLA Junior “A” draft. Playing last season for the
Nepean Knights Junior 'B' team, Buchanan scored 57 points including 30
goals. He added 11 points in 5 playoff games. In addition, he won the
"Coaches Choice Award" for his 2004 rookie Junior 'B' season efforts. A
gifted goal scorer, Buchanan is deadly around the opposition net. Titans
GM Mutch noted, "Kyle plays with tremendous courage and we expect him to
be successful in Junior 'A'.
When informed his Junior "A" playing
rights now belonged to the Titans,
Buchanan responded, "It is great for
my family that I can play at home for
Ottawa. I’m looking forward to having
a good year playing my first full
season of Junior "A" lacrosse".
Buchanan also made reference to the
Titans Head Coach, Peter Vipond, noting,
"It’s super to have the chance to play
for one of the greatest coaches in
lacrosse history. He has a history of
Minto Cup championships and that sounds
good to me".
The Titans will break training camp in April. The home opener for their
inaugural season is May 14th against the Mississauga Tomahawks.
Green Gaels Need Bigger Family
From durham.com
Wednesday January 19, 2005
CLARINGTON -- To an outsider, FHPT means nothing.
To players and coaches with the Clarington Green Gaels, or anyone who
has been linked to the club, the Family, Honour, Pride and Tradition
acronym is recognized as the stabilizing foundation of the Jr. B
lacrosse organization.
So when someone from the 'Family' encounters a personal crisis the rest
of the members rally with support.
Such is the case now, as Peter Vandenheuval, a rookie with the Green
Gaels last season, lay in the burn unit of a hospital, recovering from
severe burns received following a house fire in Courtice earlier this
month. Vandenheuval was staying in the house as a guest of friend Alex
Renaud, who also received severe burns as a result of the early-morning
fire.
Fire officials have yet to release how the fire started or what the
damage estimate is.
A value can't be put on the personal damage.
"At this stage, the lacrosse team is secondary to Peter's long-term
health," says Green Gaels general manager Doug Luey, who watched the
rookie put up 13-5-18 numbers in 18 regular season games last summer
during a season which culminated in winning the Founder's Cup
championship.
"I've received calls and e-mails from the lacrosse community not only
here, but all across Ontario," as a show of support, he added.
As he ponders the future of the club he has served the past four
seasons, Luey would like to expand the Green Gaels' family, exposing
more people to the tight-knit community of lacrosse lovers. Expressing a
concern for the long-term stability of the Green Gaels, Luey says
changes need to be made and more people need to come on board.
"There's a need for new blood," he says. "I'm not comfortable going
forward."
Among the changes he wants to see, for starters,
is a board of directors established to overcome
the lack of structure that exists. For now the
gameday staff, with Luey at the helm, comprises
the volunteer base, executive, board of directors
and takes care of anything else that needs to be
done. It has become too much for too few.
When the Green Gaels moved to Clarington in 1997, the lacrosse club was
viewed as an Oshawa-Whitby based team that was nothing more than a
tenant in a different town. That perception may still exist to a
minority, but the club has come a long way in endearing itself to the
locals.
The four national championships aside, the Green Gaels have created
interest in the sport from more than just a fan perspective. A minor
system is now thriving, with expansion planned for the rep programs
again this season. Eventually, predicts Luey, the minor system in
Clarington could become the main supplier of talent to the big club.
But for the big club to offer that opportunity down the road, change
needs to happen now, he warns, adding anyone interested can contact the
club through its website at greengaels.org.
The family needs to get bigger.
Local Dancer Cheers On Rock
By MIKE RAWN: Orangeville Banner
Tuesday January 18, 2005
ORANGEVILLE -- Take a look at this year's edition of the Toronto Rock
--from the coaching staff to the players -- and you'll see that it is
filled with Orangeville residents. So it's only fitting that a member of
the Toronto Rock Dance Team was also born and raised in Orangeville.
For 21-year-old Jessica Fallis, growing up in Orangeville played a big
role in her decision to audition for the dance team.
"I've watched a lot of lacrosse games," said Fallis. "I went to my first
Rock game three or four years ago, and I saw them dancing. I go to
different sporting events and always check out the dance teams. This one
caught my eye because I grew up with lacrosse so I can appreciate the
game.
"I just inquired about it on the website, and I went to an audition."
At an audition with over 100 dancers, Fallis impressed a panel of judges
enough to make the top 25. At a second audition and interview, she made
the 12-girl team.
"They can't prepare you for it," said Fallis about being on the team.
"You think you're just going out and dancing. But you put that uniform
on and you're a celebrity. People want your autograph, their picture
taken with you. It wasn't something I expected."
And if dancing in front of 20,000 -- mainly male -- fans in a skimpy
uniform is intimidating, well, you get used to it.
"I was really nervous the first game -- especially after I saw our
outfits last year," laughed Fallis. "My dad was sitting right behind the
players bench. I was nervous about that. But ever since I've started on
the team, it's become a little more family oriented. You've got to take
it with a grain of salt."
Fallis began her second season as a member of the Rock Dance Team on
Saturday, and this year she has the added responsibility of coaching the
Little Miss Rock Dance Team. As well as choosing the team -- made up of
dancers aged seven to 14 -- and the routines, Fallis makes sure all goes
well with the young team on game days.
"It's an unbelievable amount of preparation and work. But it's so
rewarding. When they're out performing I'm in tears."
Fallis, who started dancing at age eight at the Academy of Performing
Arts on Broadway, is currently completing a program in performance
studies at George Brown College. She enjoyed a career highlight last
month, when she competed with the Canadian Tap Team in Germany.
"I auditioned, and they took 24 of us on the Canadian team. It's like
the Olympics for tap dancing. We won the gold medal for formations,
which is huge."
FUTURE:
Fallis hopes to stay on as a Rock dancer for at least two more years,
and maybe coach the team in the future. And she's ready for any other
opportunity that comes her way.
"I just like to perform. If you get paid, that's a bonus. I love to
teach, too. I want to continue with teaching, but I want to strike a
balance. Your career's over at 25 in the dance world."
Mat MacLeod Scooped Up
In Junior "A" First Round
By Jonathon Jackson: Sun Times
Tuesday January 18, 2005
OWEN SOUND -- Mat MacLeod of Owen Sound was chosen in the first round of
the Ontario Lacrosse Association Junior A draft on the weekend.
MacLeod, 16, was the first selection of the St. Catharines Athletics.
Two years ago his older brother Mike was taken in the first round by the
Orillia Kings.
Mike is looking into playing Junior A for the Orangeville Northmen this
year and Mat had also been contacted by that team in advance of the
draft, but he doesn’t seem to be disappointed to have been chosen by the
Athletics, who won three straight OLA titles and two Minto Cups as
national champions between 2001 and 2003.
“They’re a good team,” he said. “I’ve only had a brief talk with them,
once on the phone. They asked me what my intentions were and I said I’d
have to discuss it with my parents.”
MacLeod said he’ll seriously consider playing for both the Athletics and
the Owen Sound Flying Dutchmen Junior B team. His older brother split
the last two seasons between Orillia and Owen Sound.
“It’d be kind of nice to play both Junior B and Junior A,” he said. “I’d
like to play (Junior A) because it’d be a lot faster.”
MacLeod already has junior lacrosse experience, having split the 2003
and 2004 seasons between the Dutchmen and the Crescent Club midget
squad. He racked up 95 goals and 184 points in 49 games with the midgets
last year, best in the Ontario Minor Lacrosse Association’s Zone 8, and
also managed to finish third in Dutchmen scoring with 16 goals and 33
points in 17 games.
“I’m pretty well rounded. I can play defence and I can play offence,”
said MacLeod, who’s also a member of the Kincardine Bulldogs Junior C
hockey team, although a hip flexor injury has been keeping him on the
shelf.
MacLeod, a Grade 11 student at St. Mary’s High School, knows that if he
decides to play for St. Catharines this year he’ll probably have to suit
up against his brother for the first time in his life.
“I’ll just play against him like any other player,” he said.
Redmen Protect Quartet
Of Graduating Juniors From the Warriors
Tuesday January 18, 2005
WHITBY -- The Brooklin Redmen Lacrosse Club protected four players from
the Junior A Whitby Warriors in preparation for the Major Series draft
of graduating junior players to be held on Saturday January 22, 2005.
- Matt Taylor
- Ryan Sharp
- Casey Logeman
- David Campbell
General Manager, Barry Johnson, along with Calvin Curtis, club president
and new coach, Wayne Colley reviewed the list of graduating players and
exercised their right to protect the maximum four players. All four of
these young men played a large role in the Warriors 2004 season when the
team went to the Ontario finals only to lose to the Six Nations Arrows
four games to three.
Matt Taylor played in 13 regular season games, scored 25 times and
assisted on 20 for 45 total points, he was penalized for two minor
infractions. He played in all 20 playoff games that the Warriors were
in and scored 31 times with nine assists for 40 points and he amassed 25
minutes in penalties.
Ryan Sharp played in all 20 regular season games as well as all 20
playoff games that the Warriors played. He scored 19 goals, 16 assists
for 35 points adding 58 penalty minutes in the regular season and in the
playoffs he was good for 16 goals, nine assists for 25 points while
amassing 28 penalty minutes.
Casey Logeman played in a dozen regular season games scoring twice,
adding six assists for eight points and 10 penalty minutes. He was only
in eight of the playoff games that his Warriors were in and notched one
helper and eight minutes in the penalty box. According to www.nll.com,
Logeman appears on the roster of the Anaheim Storm.
Finally, the Redmen were looking to add some toughness and grit to their
line-up. Johnson thinks he has found that by protecting Scott
Campbell’s younger and some say “bigger brother”, David Campbell. He
appeared in 16 regular season games and along with his two assists he
had 63 minutes in penalties. His tough play continued into the playoffs
where in 16 games he was good for 87 minutes in penalties.
Contact: Mark Stehlin 416.750.3590
www.brooklinredmenlacrosse.com
A Good Lax Read
Rock Add Something To The ACC: Excitement
Sunday January 16, 2005
TORONTO -- While the NLL is hardly on the verge of
overtaking the NHL in this city, it's full of life
and youthful energy, things sorely lacking from any
Leafs game
By 8 o'clock on most Saturday nights in January, the wealthy thousands
who populate the Air Canada Centre's prohibitively expensive seats are
usually asleep in their sushi and chardonnay. The Maple Leafs are
typically punctuating the thrill-starved drone of regular-season hockey
with intermittent slivers of excitement. There is better quality
atmosphere on Pluto.
Luckily, if you're desperately craving the somnolent hush of an NHL game
during this, the (first) Year of the Lockout, you have a raft of cheaper
options — your libraries, your dark closets, your shoulders of
untravelled rural roads.
Last night, though, was no time for snoozing at the ACC. The Rock's home
opener wasn't sold out, and it wasn't exactly the SkyDome in '93. But it
was many decibels louder than your average regular-season Leaf game, and
with no thanks to the JumboTron inducements to MAKE SOME NOISE to which
the Leafs long ago stooped.
As the Rock feted their seventh season with a visit from the expansion
Minnesota Swarm, there was hair-metal skronk in the speakers and
leather-look pants on the cheerleaders and an alarming number of young
men willing to strip to the waist to celebrate a goal. So there was
plenty of winter-white skin in the Rock's 19-15 win.
Contrary to team president Brad Watters' forecast of a sellout, there
were also empty seats in the lower bowl. But actual families were seen
sitting in the announced crowd of 17,729, the kinds of families that,
back when the NHL existed, would have had to drive to Buffalo to see an
NHL game to avoid an ensuing trip to the debt counsellor.
"This is usually Hockey Night in Canada and people are watching
lacrosse," said Bob Watson, Rock goalie. "So that's a good thing for our
sport."
There was Hair-metal Skronk in the Speakers
And Leather-look Pants on the Cheerleaders
The NLL, mind you, isn't any closer to the cusp of big-league status
than your average questionable-market NHL club. You can argue it's an
affordable sideshow, that there's very little connection between the
fans and the product, that folks care less about who wins and loses than
the fact that the cheapest seat for youngsters (16 and under) can be had
for $9.
But the league, to its credit, isn't too precious for its own good. It's
not afraid of the zany — witness the in-game host who took the
green-carpeted floor wearing an electric guitar — and it's not afraid of
change. Last year, in a quest for more, the NLL expanded its nets by
three inches. The NHL has been crying for a similar tweak, yet its
bloated goalies were cutting the angle to zero when last they saw
action.
There was a hokey charm in the voice of last night's PA announcer, who
refused to recap the particulars of the incessant stream of goals
without mentioning every Toronto player by three names: first name,
nickname and surname. The home team's first goal was scored by Aaron
(Wild Man) Wilson from Blaine (Prairie Dog) Manning and Rusty (K-Dog)
Kruger. The presence of Dan (Big Dog) Ladouceur and Patrick (Mad Dog)
Merrill illustrated the downside of cross-the-board nicknames.
Call it hangdog, but you have to question the long-term viability of a
league whose Vancouver franchise was removed from the schedule last
month after its debt-ridden owner failed to secure a lease at either GM
Place or the Pacific Coliseum. You have to wonder how long a 10-team NLL
can survive when franchises in non-traditional lacrosse markets — places
like Arizona and San Jose and Anaheim — have struggled mightily at the
gate.
All the same, Toronto's franchise, which averaged 16,907 last season, is
undeniably thriving. It's everything the NHL wishes it could be — not
only in operation, but kid-friendly, affordable, buzzing with the kind
of youthful energy the Leafs have all but barred from the building, and
buzzed, of course, on the house suds.
Last night, the halftime intermission featured a couple of fans in a
skill-testing-question showdown. The question: How many bottles in six
two-fours? The first contestant's wobbly response: "Uh, 124?"
It wasn't the answer. It wasn't a sellout. But it was close enough to
have a little fun.
Northmen Name New Assistant Coaches
By MIKE RAWN: Orangeville Banner
Friday January 14, 2005
ORANGEVILLE -- The Rayburn Construction Junior A Northmen have a long,
proud history in Orangeville, and head coach Matt Sawyer dipped into
that history when choosing his coaching staff. Sawyer announced Tuesday
that Josh Sanderson, Bruce Codd and Doug Sawyer will be assistant
coaches for the upcoming season.
All three played junior lacrosse with the Northmen, with a combined six
Minto Cup rings between them.
"That was very important to me, they were a big part of Northmen
lacrosse when it was enjoying its highest level of success," said Matt
Sawyer. "Anyone that is lucky enough to make this team will have an
excellent opportunity to learn the game of lacrosse.
"Settling on the guys that I chose wasn't hard. But there was a lot of
interest, which meant having to say no to some good people."
Sanderson, 27, who currently plays for the National Lacrosse League's
Toronto Rock, is the all-time Northmen scoring leader with 777 points.
"I'm offensive-minded, and I'll help the kids here develop their skills
to help get them to the next level," said Sanderson. "I have a lot of
playing experience -- I've been in a lot of different situations -- and
I think that will help here."
Sawyer, 27, was a Junior A Northmen goalie from 1995 to 1999, and most
recently coached the peewee Northmen to a provincial bronze medal last
summer.
"I'm excited to have a chance to get back involved with the Junior As,"
said Sawyer. "When my brother asked me to help out, it was a
no-brainer."
Codd has coached the midget and peewee Northmen, and served as an
assistant coach on the Junior B Northmen in 2001. He was a member of the
1995 and 1996 Minto Cup champion teams, as well as capturing Northmen of
the Year honours in 1999.
"Coaching is something I always knew I wanted to do, right from the time
I finished playing junior," said Codd, a member of the NLL's Arizona
Sting. "I didn't expect it to happen this quickly, but I'm happy with
the opportunity."
EXPECTATIONS
While the coaching staff is young -- head coach Sawyer is only 29 --
they are well aware of the expectations that come with leading the
Northmen. The former teammates are looking forward to the challenges
that lie ahead this summer.
"We want to get back to the days when teams hated coming to
Orangeville," said Codd. "When they knew they were going to be in for a
tough night."
Weber Dual Winner For Gaels
Rookie Goalie Wins Pair Of Awards
From durham.com
Thursday January 13, 2005
CLARINGTON -- In a season that was highlighted by winning the biggest
team trophy of them all at the Jr. B level, the Founder's Cup, the
Clarington Green Gaels still had some more hardware to dish out to
deserving individuals.
At the club's annual year-end banquet, Joel Weber emerged as the only
duplicate winner of the evening. The rookie goaltender capped off an
outstanding year by winning the Rookie of the Year, as well as the
player Most Likely to Succeed at a Higher Level.
Weber started the season as the backup to Curtis Doherty, but moved into
the number one role and was named to the All-Star Team at the Founder's
Cup Canadian championship, leading the Green Gaels to their fourth
national title in seven years with an 11-8 win over the Elora Mohawks in
the gold medal game of the tournament held in Elora.
Team captain and leading scorer through the playoffs, Shane Sargent, won
the Brine Trophy presented in memory of Jim Bishop as the team member
showing the most dedication and perseverance. Sargent had 32 points in
15 playoff games, and added another 14 at the Founder's Cup.
Other awards winners included James Barton (Most Underrated), Cory
Upshaw (Grinder of the Year), Eric Howe (Offensive MVP) and Colin Baker
(Defensive MVP). Volunteer Ron Messer was awarded the President Choice
Award for his overall contributions to the team.
As for the 2005 campaign, general manager Doug Luey expects training
camp to officially open around April 4 at the Darlington Sports Centre
in Hampton, with the Green Gaels Classic Tournament slated for April 9.
The home opener is tentatively scheduled for May 5 at the Garnet B.
Rickard Recreation Complex against the Huntsville Hawks.
Braves' James Thornley In Hospital
After Head-On Collision In Ohio
Crash Kills Mother, Daughter
By KAREN KAWAWADA: K-W Record
Tuesday January 4, 2005
KITCHENER -- Before they left, Kerri Thornley hugged her mother, sister
and brother and told them she loved them and to drive safely.
Kerri stayed home in Kitchener when the other three headed off on a
combination move and fun family trip.
Vicki, 26, was moving to California and her mother, Karen, 50, and
brother, James, 21, were going to help her settle in. They planned to
stop at the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas en route.
Now Vicki and Karen are dead and James is in critical condition after a
head-on crash in western Ohio that also killed the other driver.
"I can't even believe it right now," said Kerri Thornley in a voice
surprisingly steady but full of emotion. "I just lost my father four
years ago."
Ted Thornley died in December 2000 after a heart attack at age 49. He
was president of the Waterloo regional police association at the time.
"Karen was the kind of person who always helped out," said Al Watt,
president of the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves lacrosse team. "She always
had a kind word to say about everybody."
She also loved going to her athletic children's games, particularly
James' hockey and lacrosse tournaments.
James was particularly looking forward to Las Vegas, said Kerri. Quiet,
good-natured and athletic, he's a third-year sociology student who wants
to follow in his dad's footsteps and become a police officer.
Until recently, James was captain of the K-W Braves lacrosse team and
used to play hockey with the Kitchener Dutchmen and Cambridge Winter
Hawks junior B teams.
On Dec. 22, he and his mother were at a Braves awards banquet, where he
won two awards -- best defensive player and a leadership award, said
Corey Hallman, head coach of the Braves. The ceremony was held at
Waterloo regional police headquarters, in the Ted Thornley Lounge.
"I think (the location) meant a lot to him -- that's why we had it
there, primarily, because it was James' last year (playing junior
lacrosse)."
Just before 5 a.m., the Thornleys were in Ohio, driving south on
Interstate 75, just north of the city of Piqua. Vicki was at the wheel
of her red Pontiac Sunfire.
Going north, a white Dodge Dynasty crossed a grass median some 12 to 15
metres wide and slammed into the Thornleys' car.
A transport truck behind the Thornleys was unable to avoid the crash and
hit the Dodge. The truck driver wasn't hurt, but the two cars were
destroyed.
"At this time it's unknown why the car crossed the middle like that, and
that's something we may never know," Lieut. Danny Springs of the Ohio
State Patrol said.
Karen and Vicki were pronounced dead at the scene, while Evans died
later in a Troy, Ohio, hospital.
James was taken to the trauma unit of Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton,
where he's now in critical but stable condition.
As of last night, he was unconscious, with head injuries and a broken
leg, Kerri said. His leg needs surgery but doctors are optimistic James
will walk again, she said. The extent of the head injuries are unknown.
James won't be alone as he fights. Kerri, some relatives and James'
girlfriend were planning on driving to Ohio last night to be with him.
They'll put off making funeral arrangements until they see whether it
might be possible to move James closer to home.
His friend Geoff George, for one, is confident he'll pull through.
"James is a fighter," he said. "I'm sure he'll make sure he can be with
Kerri."