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WEEK FOUR SUMMARY
2015-06-02
Week Four brought some ups and some downs for all teams in the ECJLL. Click READ MORE for a recap of all games that took place in Week Four of the 2015 ECJLL Season. Photo courtesy of Wayne Walker.
Week Four Summary
East Coast Junior Lacrosse League
June 2, 2015
Colin Beiswanger
May 25, 2015 – Sackville Sportwheels Wolves 5 vs Halifax Southwest Hurricanes 17
In a matchup between the 1 and 5 seads in the ECJLL, it was no surprise who came out on top. The Hurricanes have distanced themselves from the competition, having outscored their opponents 72 to 38 in six games played.
The Hurricanes clearly do their best work in the third period. In Week 3 the Hurricanes outscored their opponents 10-3 in the third period, and Monday’s matchup was no different with the Canes outscoring the Wolves 10-1 in the final frame. It’s evident that Coach Goguen and company have work to do with their group in the first two periods going forward.
Sackville’s Robbie Grant opened the scoring for the Wolves just under three minutes in. Robbie scored twice more and added an assist, as he is looking to finish off his ECJLL Junior career on a bright note.
From there it was all Hurricanes, with eight different players adding goals on the score-sheet and Maxwell McBride leading the team once again with 7 point (5 G 2 A). Max now has sole possession of second place in the ECJLL scoring race, but has one game in hand.
The Wolves continue to be one period away from keeping up with the top-flight competition in the ECJLL. Coach Titchmarsh has to be happy with certain aspects of the Wolves game, most notably the grit showed defensively, but has to be left wondering what more they need in order to compete for a full 60 minutes.
Players to watch:
Longtime Hurricanes mainstay Geoff Zed has been stout on defence for the Hurricanes thus far in 2015. Pairing with arguable one of the leagues top defenders in Liam MacDonald, the Hurricanes defence has shown glimpses of dominance so far this season. Known to play up or down to their opponents talent level, this group needs to be consistent once playoffs arrive.
Despite a shoulder injury early in 2015, Robbie Grant has been the emotional leader of the Wolves so far. Leading a team with many fresh faces and future optimism needs a individual with a passion for the game and the ability to lead by example on the floor. It’s apparent that Robbie can do just that.
Box Score
Wolves Week 5 at a glance: vs Warriors 6/2
Hurricanes Week 5 at a glance: vs Bandits 6/1, @ Mavericks 6/6
May 27, 2015 – Mi’kmaq Warriors 5 vs Halifax Northwest Marley Lions 10
In just their first meeting of the season, the Marley Lions dominant first period proved to be the difference maker. They scored five goals in that frame, highlighted by Captain Paddy Quinn notching two goals and Gavin Quigley matching with a pair as well.
The Warriors suffered a huge loss in this one with the team’s leading scorer Billie Julian leaving the game with an unidentified injury. While the Lions had their chances the Warriors capitalized on the few they had to match the Lions goal for goal in the second and third periods.
Bryson Knockwood continues his strong rookie performance with 3 points (2G 1 A). Bryson took the brunt of tha abuse from Lions defenders who keyed in on him after the departure of Julian early.
Goaltender Bruce Ingraham was stout in nets, keeping the Lions to just 10 goals after having outscored opponents 32-10 in two contests in Week 3.
Coach Koneczny has to be pleased with this performance, as the Warriors have been building momentum slowly throughout the season and may just be able to sneak into the playoffs, no small feat in their inaugural season. One has to wonder when the consistency will stick with the Warriors. After succumbing to a 5-0 deficit against the Marley Lions and tying each preceding period, the Warriors lost the final two periods in this one by a score of 15-1. If Coach Koneczny is able to bring the group together against top-flight competition it will be interesting to see how they fare not just in the 2015 playoffs, but beyond.
All 10 goals for the Lions came from the usual suspects on offence. Secondary scoring has been an issue for the Lions at times, which should be an interesting storyline as the season progresses as some notable players return to the club from school.
Players to Watch:
Thomas Sangster has been a quiet force on the crease for the Lions so far, benefitting from increased pressure and double teams on Captain Paddy Quinn. After a strong 2014 playoff performance in which he had 6 goals in seven games, he now has 7 so far this season.
Zachary Julian had two points in this contest, including one goal, and there is no doubt he is a vocal presence on the floor. His size is imposing through the middle of the floor, and he’s been able to put up 8 (4G 4A) points in only three games played.
Box Score
Game Highlights
Warriors Week 5 at a glance: @ Wolves 6/2, vs Lions 6/4, @ Mavericks 6/7
Lions Week 5 at a glance: @ Warriors 6/4
May 28, 2015 – Mi’kmaq Warriors 3 vs Dartmouth Bandits 19
Two days after coming within five goals of the Marley Lions, the Bandits made no mistake in this one putting up the largest goal total of any team so far in 2015. The Bandits were lead by Breton Penney, who returned from Virginia to score 11 points in the win. The Bandits had goal-scorers who shelled Warriors goaltender Bruce Ingraham for much of the game.
The Warriors left much to be desired after a spirited game against the Northwest Marley Lions in which they rallied goal for goal aside from the first period.
The Bandits, playing in their first game without the arguable top ECJLL goaltender in Jonathan Boutin, gave goaltender Ayden Pierro more than enough support to earn the W.
The Bandits offensive core simply dominated the scoresheet, with five players registering six points or more in the victory. Breton Penney, Lawrence Lyver, Bobby Green, Trey Carvery, and Nile Cyr combined for combined for 27 points over the course of this game.
Players to Watch:
There is no doubt that the Mi’kmaq Warriors future hopes ride on the coat tails of young stud Bryson Knockwood. He is routinely at the top of the Warriors scoresheet, and will be called upon often to provide scoring for the Warriors.
Lawrence Lyver has been providing depth for the Bandits efficiently this season. After only posting 10 points in seven games in 2014, Lyver already has 17 through six games this season. Secondary scoring is crucial in the ECJLL and there is no doubt Lyver needs to produce should the Bandits compete for a Garnet Knight championship.
Box Score
Warriors Week 5 at a glance: @ Wolves 6/2, vs Lions 6/4, @ Mavericks 6/7
Bandits Week 5 at a glance: @ Hurricanes 6/1
May 30, 2015 – Moncton Mavericks 9 vs Halifax Southwest Hurricanes 10
In a game written off as an easy win for the Southwest Hurricanes, the Mavericks came within a hair of stealing the biggest upset of the season. It took a goal with 36 second remaining on the clock for the Hurricanes to firm their grip on first place in the ECJLL. At separate points in this contest Mavericks were down 3-0 and 7-3, all the while clawing their way back to an 8-7 lead with just minutes remaining in the game.
It took two late goals from Nathan Allen and a final nail in the coffin from Alex Pace to seal the deal, leaving the Mavericks stunned, and had Hurricanes fans regaining consciousness after a terrifying scare.
The usual suspects of Jesse Magarvey and Jack Boyle lit up the scoresheet for 10 combined points on this afternoon, but it was second scoring that really helped the Mavericks. Matt Downing, Nic Thompson, and Jon Magarvey provided scoring depth that Moncton had not enjoyed up until this point in the season.
For the Hurricanes, Luke Byrne added 3 points (1G 2 A) in victory. This may have something to do with the return of Luke Smeltzer to the left side of the Hurricanes offence, who returned from prep school in the United States. If the Hurricanes hope to avoid close game such as this one these two will need to provide scoring behind team leaders in Maxwell McBride, Reilly Letterick, and Nathan Allen.
Players to Watch:
The duo of Keegan and Shayne Delaney were stout in nets in this one. If the Mavericks have any hope of clinching that fourth playoff spot, these two will be needed against the Wolves and Warriors.
As mentioned, Luke Smeltzer makes his return to the ECJLL after spending time again this year at school in the USA. His presence will be felt early on as the Hurricanes will now have one of the more dominant left sides in the ECJLL. McBride, Letterick, and Byrne will join Smeltzer create havoc on the left side for opposing defences.
Box Score
Mavericks Weeks 5 at a glance: vs Hurricanes 6/6, vs Warriors 6/7
Hurricanes Week 5 at a glance: vs Bandits 6/1, @ Mavericks 6/6
May 31, 2015 – Moncton Mavericks 4 vs Halifax Northwest Marley Lions 16
After a game in which the Mavericks seemed to be on an upswing within the ECJLL, the Northwest Marley Lions brought them right back down with a 16-4 drumming. The Mavericks held the lead after scoring the first goal, but conceded and the Lions never looked back. A 7-1 period charged the Lions, who seemed to do most things right on offence and dominated on offensive loose balls throughout much of the game.
As mentioned frequently in this summary, secondary scoring is so important. The Lions had all but two players register a point in this game, and goaltender Pat Keats was fantastic in net.
The Lions, conceding a poor effort in a win over the Mi’kmaq Warriors on Wednesday, need a big win to regain confidence. A Mavericks team, exhausted from a heralded performance against the first place Hurricanes, seemed ripe for the picking.
ECJLL scoring race leader John MacDonald padded his lead with 9 point (2G 7A), and fifth year player Gavin Quigley quickly followed with 4 points (2G 2A). Transition player Gee Clarke was electric for the Lions, commanding the Lions defence and notching 2 goals in the decision.
Through seven games of the season, the Lions transition group of Clark Hannam, Riley Ambrose, Justin Misener, and Gee Clarke has been the strength of this team. Their ability to move the ball quickly up the floor is a big reason why the Lions are 5-2 after 7 games. If the Lions are to compete with the Bandits and Hurricanes this group will need to be dominant.
Players to Watch:
As mentioned, Gee Clarke has been a big part of the Lions success up until this point. His speed and ball protection make him an integral part of the Lions defence. Look for the Lions play transitionally to be reliant on Gee’s game through the middle.
Box Score
Game Highlights
East Coast Junior Lacrosse League
June 2, 2015
Colin Beiswanger
May 25, 2015 – Sackville Sportwheels Wolves 5 vs Halifax Southwest Hurricanes 17
In a matchup between the 1 and 5 seads in the ECJLL, it was no surprise who came out on top. The Hurricanes have distanced themselves from the competition, having outscored their opponents 72 to 38 in six games played.
The Hurricanes clearly do their best work in the third period. In Week 3 the Hurricanes outscored their opponents 10-3 in the third period, and Monday’s matchup was no different with the Canes outscoring the Wolves 10-1 in the final frame. It’s evident that Coach Goguen and company have work to do with their group in the first two periods going forward.
Sackville’s Robbie Grant opened the scoring for the Wolves just under three minutes in. Robbie scored twice more and added an assist, as he is looking to finish off his ECJLL Junior career on a bright note.
From there it was all Hurricanes, with eight different players adding goals on the score-sheet and Maxwell McBride leading the team once again with 7 point (5 G 2 A). Max now has sole possession of second place in the ECJLL scoring race, but has one game in hand.
The Wolves continue to be one period away from keeping up with the top-flight competition in the ECJLL. Coach Titchmarsh has to be happy with certain aspects of the Wolves game, most notably the grit showed defensively, but has to be left wondering what more they need in order to compete for a full 60 minutes.
Players to watch:
Longtime Hurricanes mainstay Geoff Zed has been stout on defence for the Hurricanes thus far in 2015. Pairing with arguable one of the leagues top defenders in Liam MacDonald, the Hurricanes defence has shown glimpses of dominance so far this season. Known to play up or down to their opponents talent level, this group needs to be consistent once playoffs arrive.
Despite a shoulder injury early in 2015, Robbie Grant has been the emotional leader of the Wolves so far. Leading a team with many fresh faces and future optimism needs a individual with a passion for the game and the ability to lead by example on the floor. It’s apparent that Robbie can do just that.
Box Score
Wolves Week 5 at a glance: vs Warriors 6/2
Hurricanes Week 5 at a glance: vs Bandits 6/1, @ Mavericks 6/6
May 27, 2015 – Mi’kmaq Warriors 5 vs Halifax Northwest Marley Lions 10
In just their first meeting of the season, the Marley Lions dominant first period proved to be the difference maker. They scored five goals in that frame, highlighted by Captain Paddy Quinn notching two goals and Gavin Quigley matching with a pair as well.
The Warriors suffered a huge loss in this one with the team’s leading scorer Billie Julian leaving the game with an unidentified injury. While the Lions had their chances the Warriors capitalized on the few they had to match the Lions goal for goal in the second and third periods.
Bryson Knockwood continues his strong rookie performance with 3 points (2G 1 A). Bryson took the brunt of tha abuse from Lions defenders who keyed in on him after the departure of Julian early.
Goaltender Bruce Ingraham was stout in nets, keeping the Lions to just 10 goals after having outscored opponents 32-10 in two contests in Week 3.
Coach Koneczny has to be pleased with this performance, as the Warriors have been building momentum slowly throughout the season and may just be able to sneak into the playoffs, no small feat in their inaugural season. One has to wonder when the consistency will stick with the Warriors. After succumbing to a 5-0 deficit against the Marley Lions and tying each preceding period, the Warriors lost the final two periods in this one by a score of 15-1. If Coach Koneczny is able to bring the group together against top-flight competition it will be interesting to see how they fare not just in the 2015 playoffs, but beyond.
All 10 goals for the Lions came from the usual suspects on offence. Secondary scoring has been an issue for the Lions at times, which should be an interesting storyline as the season progresses as some notable players return to the club from school.
Players to Watch:
Thomas Sangster has been a quiet force on the crease for the Lions so far, benefitting from increased pressure and double teams on Captain Paddy Quinn. After a strong 2014 playoff performance in which he had 6 goals in seven games, he now has 7 so far this season.
Zachary Julian had two points in this contest, including one goal, and there is no doubt he is a vocal presence on the floor. His size is imposing through the middle of the floor, and he’s been able to put up 8 (4G 4A) points in only three games played.
Box Score
Game Highlights
Warriors Week 5 at a glance: @ Wolves 6/2, vs Lions 6/4, @ Mavericks 6/7
Lions Week 5 at a glance: @ Warriors 6/4
May 28, 2015 – Mi’kmaq Warriors 3 vs Dartmouth Bandits 19
Two days after coming within five goals of the Marley Lions, the Bandits made no mistake in this one putting up the largest goal total of any team so far in 2015. The Bandits were lead by Breton Penney, who returned from Virginia to score 11 points in the win. The Bandits had goal-scorers who shelled Warriors goaltender Bruce Ingraham for much of the game.
The Warriors left much to be desired after a spirited game against the Northwest Marley Lions in which they rallied goal for goal aside from the first period.
The Bandits, playing in their first game without the arguable top ECJLL goaltender in Jonathan Boutin, gave goaltender Ayden Pierro more than enough support to earn the W.
The Bandits offensive core simply dominated the scoresheet, with five players registering six points or more in the victory. Breton Penney, Lawrence Lyver, Bobby Green, Trey Carvery, and Nile Cyr combined for combined for 27 points over the course of this game.
Players to Watch:
There is no doubt that the Mi’kmaq Warriors future hopes ride on the coat tails of young stud Bryson Knockwood. He is routinely at the top of the Warriors scoresheet, and will be called upon often to provide scoring for the Warriors.
Lawrence Lyver has been providing depth for the Bandits efficiently this season. After only posting 10 points in seven games in 2014, Lyver already has 17 through six games this season. Secondary scoring is crucial in the ECJLL and there is no doubt Lyver needs to produce should the Bandits compete for a Garnet Knight championship.
Box Score
Warriors Week 5 at a glance: @ Wolves 6/2, vs Lions 6/4, @ Mavericks 6/7
Bandits Week 5 at a glance: @ Hurricanes 6/1
May 30, 2015 – Moncton Mavericks 9 vs Halifax Southwest Hurricanes 10
In a game written off as an easy win for the Southwest Hurricanes, the Mavericks came within a hair of stealing the biggest upset of the season. It took a goal with 36 second remaining on the clock for the Hurricanes to firm their grip on first place in the ECJLL. At separate points in this contest Mavericks were down 3-0 and 7-3, all the while clawing their way back to an 8-7 lead with just minutes remaining in the game.
It took two late goals from Nathan Allen and a final nail in the coffin from Alex Pace to seal the deal, leaving the Mavericks stunned, and had Hurricanes fans regaining consciousness after a terrifying scare.
The usual suspects of Jesse Magarvey and Jack Boyle lit up the scoresheet for 10 combined points on this afternoon, but it was second scoring that really helped the Mavericks. Matt Downing, Nic Thompson, and Jon Magarvey provided scoring depth that Moncton had not enjoyed up until this point in the season.
For the Hurricanes, Luke Byrne added 3 points (1G 2 A) in victory. This may have something to do with the return of Luke Smeltzer to the left side of the Hurricanes offence, who returned from prep school in the United States. If the Hurricanes hope to avoid close game such as this one these two will need to provide scoring behind team leaders in Maxwell McBride, Reilly Letterick, and Nathan Allen.
Players to Watch:
The duo of Keegan and Shayne Delaney were stout in nets in this one. If the Mavericks have any hope of clinching that fourth playoff spot, these two will be needed against the Wolves and Warriors.
As mentioned, Luke Smeltzer makes his return to the ECJLL after spending time again this year at school in the USA. His presence will be felt early on as the Hurricanes will now have one of the more dominant left sides in the ECJLL. McBride, Letterick, and Byrne will join Smeltzer create havoc on the left side for opposing defences.
Box Score
Mavericks Weeks 5 at a glance: vs Hurricanes 6/6, vs Warriors 6/7
Hurricanes Week 5 at a glance: vs Bandits 6/1, @ Mavericks 6/6
May 31, 2015 – Moncton Mavericks 4 vs Halifax Northwest Marley Lions 16
After a game in which the Mavericks seemed to be on an upswing within the ECJLL, the Northwest Marley Lions brought them right back down with a 16-4 drumming. The Mavericks held the lead after scoring the first goal, but conceded and the Lions never looked back. A 7-1 period charged the Lions, who seemed to do most things right on offence and dominated on offensive loose balls throughout much of the game.
As mentioned frequently in this summary, secondary scoring is so important. The Lions had all but two players register a point in this game, and goaltender Pat Keats was fantastic in net.
The Lions, conceding a poor effort in a win over the Mi’kmaq Warriors on Wednesday, need a big win to regain confidence. A Mavericks team, exhausted from a heralded performance against the first place Hurricanes, seemed ripe for the picking.
ECJLL scoring race leader John MacDonald padded his lead with 9 point (2G 7A), and fifth year player Gavin Quigley quickly followed with 4 points (2G 2A). Transition player Gee Clarke was electric for the Lions, commanding the Lions defence and notching 2 goals in the decision.
Through seven games of the season, the Lions transition group of Clark Hannam, Riley Ambrose, Justin Misener, and Gee Clarke has been the strength of this team. Their ability to move the ball quickly up the floor is a big reason why the Lions are 5-2 after 7 games. If the Lions are to compete with the Bandits and Hurricanes this group will need to be dominant.
Players to Watch:
As mentioned, Gee Clarke has been a big part of the Lions success up until this point. His speed and ball protection make him an integral part of the Lions defence. Look for the Lions play transitionally to be reliant on Gee’s game through the middle.
Box Score
Game Highlights