Belief Not Enough to Get by Chiefs in MSL Final

Belief Not Enough to Get by Chiefs in MSL Final

Anna Taylor • August 28, 2025

A couple of days later and the ending of the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers 2025 season still stings for captain Robert Hope, and it will for a while. 

The Lakers were eliminated, for the third consecutive summer, by the Six Nations Chiefs in the MSL finals. They lost 4-1, winning Game 4 at home by a single goal but falling in Game 5 on Monday night 12-7. 


Though the Chiefs, defending Mann Cup champions, were touted as the favourites all season long, it was still a tough pill to swallow. The Lakers were the only team to beat the Chiefs during the regular season, and they did it twice, winning both of their meetings at the Memorial Centre and taking the season series 2-1. The Lakers proved their resilience in an epic seven-game semifinal against Brooklin, but could not replicate the results against the highly-skilled Chiefs.


“I thought at times we were so close, even though the score or the stats didn't represent that,” reflected team captain Robert Hope. “We played against good teams; I'm not taking anything away from them and how they played. I think we squandered some opportunities at times, [with slow starts] and how we played and just our commitment level and kind of waiting around for other guys, but then when we did kind of flip the switch and invest in the formula, we looked really good but just a little bit too late.”


The team’s mantra ended up becoming “Believe,” especially after they came back from a 3-2 deficit in the semifinals. Although going down 3-0 in the finals made coming back feel unlikely, the players believed they could after winning Game 4. One game at a time became the mantra.


Unfortunately, the Lakers slow starts played a part in Game 5. The team’s only goal in the first period, a breakaway from Jordan Stouros (his first goal of the year), was sandwiched on either side by a pair of Chiefs goals for a 4-1 lead.


Ryan Smith made it 5-1 before Justin Sykes responded with an outside shot. The Chiefs got the next three goals, including a pair from Dhane Smith, one shorthanded. Nick Rose replaced Drew Hutchison at that point but Ryan Smith scored on the first shot Rose faced. Braedon Saris got a last-minute goal for Peterborough on a power play.


Ian MacKay opened the third period by putting the Chiefs up 9-3. But their undisciplined play cost them and allowed the Lakers to attempt a comeback. After a scrum in the corner between Dawson Theede and Robert Hope turned into a near line-brawl, Brad McCulley and Nonkon Thompson squared off with McCulley getting the better of Thompson. The pair, as well as Theede, were ejected for fighting, and the two Chiefs also received roughing minors setting the Lakers on a full two-minute five-on-three power play. Joe Resetarits scored on the power play and Mike Robinson just after it had expired before the Chiefs got their fifth player on the floor. Matt Marinier caused a turnover at centre and ran in to score unassisted, but the Lakers kept pressing and made quick work of another power play, with Saris picking up yet another man-up goal. Justin Sykes picked up ball after a Jake Withers’ faceoff win and scored 16 seconds later. All of a sudden, the Chiefs’ lead was down to just three goals with half the period left to play. 


But it was not to be. As the Lakers pulled Rose (and sent Hutchison sprinting back and forth on each possession), Josh Byrne was able to get one with 3:10 left. Tyson Bell then picked up a transition marker with 2:36 left, despite Hutchison’s heroic effort to get back into the net. The Lakers finished a man down after the referees ruled Hutchison threw his stick to try to stop Bell.


Peterborough was forced to watch the Chiefs celebrate for the third year in a row.


“It stings,” said head coach Mike Hasen. “Especially with this series, I know the score isn’t very flattering, but we battled. You take the three best players off of every NLL team and you pop them on one it’s going to be a great roster. They’re such a good team that capitalizes on every single mistake you make. I thought we held our own.”


“Anytime that your season ends in a loss you're disappointed in that,” said Hope. “I am still very proud to be a Laker and of the teammates that I get to put the jersey on with. I really hope that we learned a lot of lessons throughout the season. We had our ups and downs and a couple hard fought series for sure.”


This group felt special, and eerily familiar, said Hasen.


“When Paul Day, Tracey Kelusky, Bobby Keast and I started in 2015, this team is very reminiscent of where we were back then,” he pointed out. “We had a great core of veteran guys and a really good core of young guys that are better players now having learned from some of the best players. Right now I think we could be a little bit of the same blue print but we have a behemoth that we have to play each year.”


It's been 10 years (8 seasons) since Hasen and co. took over managing the team, when players like Hope, Withers and Holden Cattoni were just starting their professional careers. Fans have been able to watch them grow up and become not only incredible lacrosse players, but incredible human beings. Now those veterans are being counted on to lead the way for the next generation of players like Mike Robinson, Ben Trumble, Adam Thistlethwaite and Braedon Saris.


“You only get so many chances with a with a special group and every year there is turnover, five players usually kind of in and out with retirement, free agency, family, job,” said Hope. “I don't like squandering opportunities, and it was a special group and it is a special group, and I feel like if we continue to improve we can get back to where we want to be with how we want to play and the winning tradition that we've been able to be a part of.”


It's much too early for the players to think about next summer, but Hasen hopes to keep as many members of the core group together.


“There will be a few conversations. The dynamics and financials of the game come into play for a lot of guys. Hopefully we keep as much of this core together as we can. We’re close, we need to add a few pieces to help push through and hopefully close that gap on those guys next year.”





We caught up with a few players after the final buzzer to talk about their seasons. Here’s what they said:


Ben Trumble, on his rookie season and what he learned along the way: 

“I really enjoyed playing this season. Obviously, not the outcome that we wanted but I’ll cherish every moment of it. The small details mean so much. You really have to come in and compete every day and not take any steps off because it's just so fast-paced. These guys are so good and you really need to be dedicated.”


Brad McCulley, on if he’ll  be back in 2026:

“It was an amazing summer. Peterborough is just an unbelievable city to play in. With everybody there, the building is full, getting 3500 people in it. All the history and everything. I couldn't have had more fun and I loved every second of it. If I'm still living out East, which I most likely will be, and if the coaching staff wants me back, then I will 100% be back.”


Nick Rose on what he’ll remember most about this summer:

“Honestly just playing at the Mem Centre all summer. Obviously unbelievable crowd, nowhere in Canada replicates that at least for summer lacrosse, so yeah just playing at the Men Centre in front of all those fans. They always had our back through thick and thin so that's definitely the best memory, getting a chance to not be a visitor in that building.”


Nick Rose on whether he’ll be back:

“That's a good question! I have a lot to think about before next summer, I obviously have to sort out NLL and all that kind of stuff, but I'd love to be back as a Laker. Obviously I don't know what that summer brings, and I am getting a little long in the tooth for summer lacrosse, but still having fun with it so as long as the passion is there I'll definitely be looking to come back.”


Ben Trumble on which teammates acted as a mentor for him this season:

“Hopey is always an easy answer just because he's so vocal and someone who's been my coach and now my teammate. He’s just been so supportive and helpful and I feel like all the guys like Pacer, Gilray, Army, everyone on the defence side of things and the offensive side have taught me so much.”


Brad McCulley, on the fight in the third period:

“I think obviously emotions boil over, game five of a pretty good series. Somebody was trying to get Hopey and I had to go in there and protect our captain.”


Nick Rose on how he was able to finish with the third-best GAA in the league (7.04):

“Honestly just being around a good team like this. I played last year in Oakville and I think I probably came in having a good year last summer too, but this year just being around the staff and the players really kind of helped me settle into being a Laker right from the get-go and allowed me just to come in and be me rather than having all that pressure that I maybe had in past years.”


Mike Hasen, on who he believes really improved their game this season:

“Mike Robinson took his game to another level with us this year. He really stepped up and established himself on the floor and had some great numbers. Ben Trumble as a rookie as well. He has the tools and he did a great job. Pager played himself into the lineup and the only reason he wasn’t in the lineup (in the finals) is he was injured. He did a great job for us. T-Waite does what T-Waite does especially for a young guy. We made that trade for Saris and we knew he was going to be good and he established himself real quick.”


Photos by Anna Taylor

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Last Minute Goal Sinks Lakers

By Anna Taylor • July 17, 2026
Captain Robert Hope saw glimpses of greatness in the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers on Thursday night, but a critical mistake in the final minute of play cost his team greatly, as they fell 13-12 to the Oakville Rock. “We made too many mistakes at inopportune times [and they capitalized on them],” Hope said. “We were a little sloppy early; defensively, just throwing balls away, giving up too many opportunities, not shots that Hutchy wanted to see. Offensively, I thought we scored enough, we just have to be better on transition and defence coming back through that way.” A miscalculated pass gave Oakville defender Jake Darlison a breakaway and he scored with 32 seconds left for the one-goal win. The teams had matched each other goal for goal through the first half, tying six times until Oakville’s five-goal run gave them a 10-6 lead in the second. The Lakers did settle down quickly and went on a six-goal run of their own over the end of the second and start of the third periods. They led 12-10 lead but gave up two goals within 44 seconds and couldn’t take the lead back before Darlison’s goal. Brad McCulley had a solid shot with five seconds left but was stymied by former Laker Landon Kells, who didn’t give up a goal after coming on in relief of Evan Constantopolous. Drew Hutchison allowed 10 before Nick Rose, who held Oakville scoreless for over 20 minutes, replaced him. With four games remaining, the Lakers sit tied for fourth place in the MSL standings with Brooklin, on which they have the tiebreaker plus a game in hand. They are four points behind third-place Cobourg and six points behind Oakville. Playoffs are a world away, yet they are on everyone’s mind. “When you start playing (at the beginning of the year) you start thinking about playoffs. That’s your first checkmark is to get into playoffs and finish as high as you can,” said Hope. “Then you know your matchup, get out of the first round, second round and get to the Mann Cup. That’s your ultimate goal. We have to have a killer mentality here for the next four. I thought we’ve gotten better each one but we still are committing the same mistakes.” The Cobourg Kodiaks visit the PMC next Thursday, July 23. The season series between the teams is tied 1-1 so the game is critical in providing a potential tiebreaker for playoff positioning. “We just have to make sure we win the next game and it’s an important one because it does have playoff implications,” said head coach Mike Hasen. “Every game is a playoff game here for us moving forward but it’s a focus on Cobourg and making sure we’re at our best for that one.” Next Thursday is the long-awaited Retro Night honouring the 1986 Jr. A Peterborough Maulers, with throwback jerseys, a soundtrack of 80s and 90s hits and the return of Toonie Dogs. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster online or at the box office. Of Note - Attendance was 2,511 - Peterborough fired 48 shots on goal while Oakville let go of 55 - Matt Gilray was 14/29 on faceoffs while the Rock were 15/29 - Peterborough was 0/1 on the power play but did score one shorthanded, and Oakville was 1/3 - Jake Withers served the first of a two-game suspension, and Deacan Knott the first of four after both were involved in fights against Owen Sound last week - The Lakers welcomed Colton Armitage (#94), who played five games as a call-up earlier in the season, as a full-time Laker on Thursday. The 22-year-old St. Catharines’ native led the team with a hat trick and two assists. Full Lakers Scoring Colton Armitage 3-2 Braedon Saris 2-3 Daniel Clark 2-0 Rob Hellyer 1-5 Ryan Lanchbury 1-4 Holden Cattoni 1-0 Liam Patten 1-0 Dylan Hutchison 1-0 Justin Sykes 0-2 Brad McCulley 0-2 Holden Lowes 0-1 Colton Armstrong 0-1 PHOTOS BY DAVID PICKERING @picks_pics

Wild Night at PMC as Lakers Take Down North Stars

By Anna Taylor • July 10, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers were fired up by the soundtrack to their game on Thursday night. It was country night, so the twangy music blared through the Peterborough Memorial Centre as the Lakers (7-6-0) beat the Owen Sound North Stars (1-11-0) 13-5 in what could be called a “spirited match.” Owen Sound lost an assistant coach and their faceoff guy Mitch Gustavsen to game misconducts early, but things were generally calm through the first 38 minutes. With the Lakers up 12-2 late in the second period, Jake Withers was high sticked in a corner scrum, which prompted him to retaliate with a punch or two. As Withers was escorted to the penalty box, he and goaltender Kaleb Martin, who had been lifted from the game after Peterborough’s eighth goal, exchanged some verbal punches before Martin left the bench to jump Withers. “We have to treat this game like any other game where we’re building, and we want to play on that edge,” said head coach Mike Hasen. “Wiz took one in the corner, his wires got crossed and one thing led to another. I’m not sure what was said on that side of the floor to make the first goalie go off. It was entertaining. For the fans, that doesn’t happen very often.” As their scuffle ended, Andrew Kidd approached centre floor and removed his equipment, asking Lakers’ starter Deacan Knott to dance. Each ‘tender got one jab in. The penalties were numerous; all three goaltenders fighting were ejected from the game. “I’ve never seen two goalies (from the same team) kicked out at once in the same game,” said Dustyn Birkhof. “That was a first for me. I obviously love that part of the game so it was really cool to watch. I just sat back and watched Deacan go to work there. That was awesome, he looked like Muhammed Ali out there doing some boxing.” It is rare that both of a team’s goalies are lost during the game, but it does happen, most notably at the 2013 Mann Cup when both of the Six Nations Chiefs’ goalies were ejected for illegal equipment. Forward Colin Doyle strapped on the pads and made six saves in the final 10 minutes. Tyler Halls was that man for Owen Sound. The defender put on Martin’s equipment and played 21:18, allowing only a single goal on 12 shots. The Lakers understood there was a runner in net with little to no goal experience and factored that into their offensive plan in the third period. They took the high road. “The respect of the game is there,” explained Hasen. “We want to play hard between the whistles and do the right things on and off the floor. To throw it on Hallsy and fire at his head or take those shots that we were taking in the first two periods, what does that do for us and for the game?” Halls was heartily congratulated by the Lakers during the post-game handshakes, several of them having played with him in Rochester. Nick Rose was able to replace Knott in the Lakers’ goal. The rough stuff didn’t end after the second – Colton Armstrong played tug of war with Jackson Webster’s jersey at one point, and then Birkhof tried to square up with Brayden Hickey. At the same time, Robert Hope and Brendan Boyle got into a mostly verbal confrontation with Cam Pack and Dylan Lee but were given 10-minute misconducts anyway. Peterborough led 5-0 after the first period, with two goals from Holden Cattoni and singles from Rob Hellyer, Justin Sykes and Mike Robinson, who lit up the arena with a dunk goal, legal for the first time in the MSL. Robinson planted himself behind the net and picked the right moment to wrap his arms around the post to jam the ball past Martin.

Lakers Fall to First Place Chiefs

By Anna Taylor • July 8, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers’ record fell back to .500 on Tuesday night with a 10-5 loss to the Six Nations Chiefs at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. Their record now sits at 6-6-0, and they are tied for third place in the MSL with Cobourg and Brooklin with six games remaining in the regular season. The Chiefs remain in first place with an 11-0 record. The Lakers return to the ILA on July 28. Heading to the ILA is always tough even when the Chiefs aren’t undefeated. The Lakers put up a great effort through the first half of the game, but the championship experience of the Chiefs outlasted them. Six Nations went up 2-0 early, but the defence settled in and held them off the board for the rest of the opening period. Nick Crowley got the Lakers on the board with his first MSL goal – he took a few steps and then just whipped it past Warren Hill. Matt Gilray tied it 2-2 with 54 seconds left on a fast break goal. Lyle Thompson hit the dunk to open the second and take a 3-2 lead, but the Lakers countered with a pair from Mike Robinson, including an answering dunk. However, less than a minute later, the Chiefs rattled off three in a span of a minute and a half for a 6-4 lead. Six Nations upped their lead to 9-4 before Ryan Lanchbury cut in front of Hill with a crease jump to cut into the lead. Ryan Smith scored his second of the game, on a power play, to secure the win. Lyle Thompson led the Chiefs with a hat trick and one assist. Dhane Smith scored twice and assisted on three others. The Lakers return home to the Memorial Centre on Thursday night to host the Owen Sound North Stars for the first time this season. It’s country night, so get ready to don your plaid and cowboy hats! Tickets are available at the box office or online through Ticketmaster. Of Note - Peterborough was 0/1 on the power play, and Six Nations was 1/3 - Liam Vollans was called up from Ennismore to help round out a shorthanded offence Full Lakers Scoring Mike Robinson 2-1 Ryan Lanchbury 1-0 Nick Crowley 1-0 Matt Gilray 1-0 Daniel Clark 0-2 Jordan Stouros 0-1 Justin Sykes 0-1 Drew Hutchison 0-1

Lakers Assert Dominance Over Kodiaks

By Anna Taylor • July 3, 2026
Thursday night at the Memorial Centre, the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers showed the Cobourg Kodiaks who the boss is, beating their Highway 28 rivals 11-3. Cobourg previously beat the Lakers 13-9 on Father’s Day, handing them their first loss in 10 years at the Cobourg Community Centre. The season series is now tied at one game apiece, with the rubber match at the Memorial Centre on July 23. The Lakers (6-5-0) now sit alone in third place with eight games remaining in the regular season – Brooklin and Cobourg are tied for fourth place and just two points behind Peterborough. Everything was clicking for the Lakers on Thursday, and the team was surprised with the return of defender Johnny Pearson after previously thinking he would miss the season due to work commitments. The power play was over 100% and the team’s transition was instrumental in pushing the ball up the floor. “We were moving the ball around really well tonight, moving bodies around, so there was a ton of space to shoot and make plays. We needed that big time,” said lefty forward Brad McCulley, who finished with a pair of goals and three assists. “There have been a couple times we’ve shown we can be really good and other times, maybe it’s a different lineup, different commitments for different guys, it’s just not really a good excuse. But for sure that was one we needed to instill some confidence in the guys and of course it’s always easy getting excited to play on Thursday.” Peterborough led 2-1 after the first on goals from Frank Coyle and McCulley. Coyle’s second goal of the season came as he, Colton Armstrong and Matt Gilray made a break from their own end. “Errant shot went off the boards. Colton had the ball, passed it over to me, I was dead centre in front of the net from about 30 feet out and didn’t think twice, just shot it. Luckily it squeaked in five-hole,” Coyle described. It was the Jr. A Laker graduate’s first goal in front of the home crowd. McCulley then kicked off the scoring in the second period, in which the Lakers scored seven goals while holding the Kodiaks scoreless. Four of their goals were scored on the power play, including two on a major penalty to Nathan Pouliot after a check from behind that sent Taite Cattoni to the dressing room early. “It was nice to see the power play get going because that was not the case against Oakville on Monday,” said McCulley. “You get a guy like Ryan Lanchbury in there and he’s got incredible vision, and Braedon Saris who can shoot, and other guys moving bodies around.” Each team scored twice in the third period but the Lakers didn’t give up any ground. DJ Clark scored his first of the season shorthanded, and Ryan Lanchbury picked up his second goal and seventh point of the game. For the second home game in a row, Drew Hutchison was named first star after making 50 saves. The Lakers are on the road Tuesday to Six Nations before returning home to host Owen Sound next Thursday, July 9. Of Note - Attendance was 2,429 - Shots were even at 53 each - Peterborough was 4/3 on the power play (they scored twice on a major) with one shorthanded goal, and Oakville was 2/8 - Jake Withers won 15/18 faceoffs - The Lakers are on the road to pay their first visit to the first place Six Nations Chiefs (10-0) on Tuesday. They return home next Thursday, July 9 to host the Owen Sound North Stars. Tickets are on sale now at the box office or through Ticketmaster. Full Lakers Scoring Ryan Lanchbury 2-5 Braedon Saris 2-4 Brad McCulley 2-3 Frank Coyle 1-1 Thomas Hoggarth 1-0 Justin Sykes 1-0 Adam Jay 1-0 Daniel Clark 1-0 Robert Hope 0-1 Colton Armstrong 0-1 Dylan Hutchison 0-1 Taite Cattoni 0-1 PHOTOS BY DAVID PICKERING @PICKS_PICS

Lakers Stymied by Rock

By Anna Taylor • June 30, 2026
A few days after a triumphant return to form over Brooklin, the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers suffered a 13-9 loss to the Oakville Rock at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre Monday night. Their record falls back to .500 at 5-5 and they remain in third place while Oakville pulls four points ahead. The good news: Holden Cattoni returned to the lineup and contributed a hat trick. Adam Jay returned to the defence. Both had missed the last month after injuries from the Lakers’ first game in Oakville. The bad news: Cattoni left after scoring his third goal and did not return. Nick Rose (35 saves) left the game after the second period after Isiah Moran-Weekes crashed into him during a crease dive attempt at the end of the period. Deacan Knott (12 saves) played the third period. “Offensively, I know the guys struggled to get some rhythm after Holden went down. So you take 99 out of our lineup, he had three to start, that’s a tough gap to fill,” said defensive coach Bobby Keast. “I think Oakville played a complete 60 minutes and I don’t think we did. They made the most of their opportunities. They’re a very good team and the execute their game plan very well.” Peterborough led 1-0 and 3-2 but Oakville led 5-3 after the first period. They increased their lead to 6-3 in the second before Cattoni’s hat trick goal at 3:48, which sparked the transition to step up. Justin Sykes scored on the break at 4:18, and Jordan Stouros’ first of the year came at 6:34 which tied the game 6-6. But the sticks fell quiet after that, partly due to the play of former Laker Landon Kells in the Rock net. Kells made 46 saves, jumping on every shot to block any second chances. The Rock outscored Peterborough 5-2 in the final period. “At both ends of the floor they did a good job of containing or controlling ground balls,” said Keast. “I think we got better as the game went on in the defensive end of things but it’s not an easy game. Everyone has a good team. It’s not a gimme, so you have to work hard if you want to have the results at the end.” Josh Dawick, Sam LeClair and Carson Moyer all had hat tricks for Oakville with four, three and two assists, respectively. Of Note - Peterborough was 1/6 on the power play, and Oakville was 4/5 - Peterborough had 54 shots on goal compared to 60 for Oakville - The Lakers are back home this coming Thursday, July 2 for Sport a Rainbow Night. Tickets are on sale now at the box office or through Ticketmaster. Full Lakers Scoring Holden Cattoni 3-0 Thomas Hoggarth 1-2 Jordan Stouros 1-1 Dylan Hutchison 1-1 Justin Sykes 1-0 Brad McCulley 1-0 Ryan Lanchbury 0-5 Daniel Clark 0-1 Colton Armstrong 0-1 Taite Cattoni 0-1

Lakers Double Up Brooklin 12-6

By Anna Taylor • June 26, 2026
One win vaulted the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers from fifth place into a tie for second place in the MSL standings. Thursday night, the Lakers (5-4-0) defeated the Brooklin Lacrosse Club (5-5-0) 12-6 at the Memorial Centre. It was the rubber match, with Brooklin winning the first game at the PMC 12-10 and Peterborough winning in Whitby 8-4. The win marked the first game the Lakers were able to play without callups to fill out the roster. Thomas Hoggarth and Dustyn Birkhof returned from injury, and Ryan Lanchbury played his first home game. Holden Cattoni and Adam Jay are expected back in the next few weeks. When they return, the Lakers will be forced to make some hard decisions about the lineup – suddenly, it’s a whole new season. “I think this is a roster that’s going to compete for a Mann Cup,” said Hoggarth. “We showed it tonight. We moved the ball, Hutchy played well in net and we have three good goalies. We have a strong defence in the back and the offense is really good with a lot of ball movement.” Hoggarth scored twice in his return, including the first goal of the game just 2:16 in. “I think I was worried about scoring and contributing, coming back into the lineup after being off for so long. Being able to score right off the start was a good feeling for me. It feels good playing in Peterborough. It was fun to return.” Hoggarth was injured in Halifax’s first game of the NLL season in December. He was diagnosed with a bucket handle tear. “I’d never had it before and I’d never heard of it,” he expressed. “My meniscus partially tore and flipped upside down, so they went in with two scopes and flipped it back over and stitched it up. The rehab was four to six months and talking with my doctors we decided to do the six months to be cautious. I did physio with Pulse in Peterborough and also with (Athletic Trainer) Tash (Legacé) and the Lakers, so it ended up working for me.” Hoggarth scored a highlight-reel goal to kick off the third period, taking a pass from Justin Sykes and scoring a low shot with his back turned towards the Brooklin goaltender. Sykes and Taite Cattoni also had multiple goal nights; Sykes had the hat trick and Cattoni potted two diving goals. Ryan Lanchbury contributed six assists in his PMC debut after scoring twice and helping on two in Sunday’s loss to Cobourg. Seven of the Lakers’ goals against Brooklin came from their left side, with righties Lanchbury and Rob Hellyer (five assists) making sure the ball swung across the floor. “This is a really talented group,” Lanchbury said. “A lot of veteran guys. The energy felt a little bit different pre-game with the way guys were talking. There was a little extra jump. That’s the way you have to play after a loss, and you expect nothing less from this group.” Peterborough led 4-1 after the first period and 8-3 after the second period. BLC starter Steve Orleman was pulled in favour of Aden Walsh after allowing six goals. The Lakers continued to dominate in the third, scoring four more times for a 12-3 lead. With 10 goals from the offence, the transition took over: Liam Patten scored a nice fast break goal and Matt Gilray finished off a run with Brad McCulley to put the game out of reach. Brooklin put Orleman back in goal and his team went on a three-goal run to end the game. Drew Hutchison made 50 saves for Peterborough. PRHC Night The Lakers wore special red Canada Day jerseys that were auctioned in support of the PRHC Foundation’s $70 million Campaign for PRHC. Around $3,100 was raised, with several jerseys still available. Contact Pete Dalliday if you’re interested in one of the remaining jerseys at petedalliday@gmail.com . Holden and Taite Cattoni’s jerseys each sold for $500. Proceeds from the second intermission ball toss were also donated to PRHC, and fans were able to donate when they purchased their tickets. The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough promised to match the Lakers’ donation up to $10,000. Fans can also donate to the cause directly at https://prhcf.akaraisin.com/ui/lakers . Of Note - Attendance was 2423 - Jake Withers won 13/21 faceoffs - Peterborough was 0/4 on the power play with a shorthanded goal, and Brooklin was 1/4 with a shorthanded goal - Peterborough had 44 shots on goal compared to 56 for Brooklin - The Lakers are on the road to Oakville on Monday. The Rock sit second in the MSL with a 5-2 record, one of those wins coming over the Lakers earlier this month. Peterborough returns to the Memorial Centre to host Cobourg next Thursday, July 2. Tickets are on sale in person through the box office or online via Ticketmaster. Full Lakers Scoring Justin Sykes 3-1 Thomas Hoggarth 2-1 Taite Cattoni 2-0 Rob Hellyer 1-5 Brad McCulley 1-3 Mike Robinson 1-1 Liam Patten 1-0 Matt Gilray 1-0 Ryan Lanchbury 0-6 Colton Armstrong 0-1 Drew Hutchison 0-1 PHOTOS BY DAVID PICKERING @picks_pics

Century 21 Lakers and Brooklin will clash in a special night supporting PRHC

June 23, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are once again teaming up with the PRHC Foundation for an exciting night of lacrosse, community and supporting regional healthcare. On Thursday, June 25 the Lakeshow will host the Brooklin Lacrosse Club at PRHC Night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The matchup will support the $70 million Campaign for PRHC. With more than $61.7 million already raised, every dollar helps move the campaign closer to the finish line. Adding to the excitement this year, the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough has committed to matching fundraising efforts from the June 25 game up to $10,000. “Healthcare impacts every person and family in our region, and we’re excited to help amplify the fundraising efforts on June 25,” said Kinsmen Club of Peterborough Vice President, Bob Hall. There will be plenty of ways for the community to get involved throughout the night, including bidding on a signed hockey stick from Philadelphia Flyers rookie sensation Porter Martone. The Lakers will also auction off their special Canada-themed jerseys after the game, with proceeds donated to the PRHC Foundation. The Lakers’ new Ball Toss initiative will also support the Campaign for PRHC on June 25. Fans can purchase three balls for $5 for a chance to win by landing closest to centre floor. And fans who use unlock passcode PRHC26 with their online ticket purchase can add a $2 donation to the PRHC Foundation. Can’t make it to the game? Everyone can get involved by donating directly at lakersprhc.ca . “We’re thrilled to once again partner with a championship organization like the Lakers,” said PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway. “They represent dedication, heart and excellence. We know how passionately this region rallies around the Lakers and PRHC and together we can help reimagine healthcare close to home. It’s wonderful that another community organization like the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is excited to be a part of the collaboration. We’re so grateful for everyone’s support!”  Mark your calendar for June 25 and help us pack the PMC for a great game in support of patient care at your hospital!

No Sunday Funday for Lakers in Cobourg

By Anna Taylor • June 22, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers suffered their first-ever loss at the Cobourg Community Centre on Sunday evening, falling 13-9 to the Cobourg Kodiaks. In 10 seasons, the Lakers have beaten Cobourg in all but four games, the first three losses coming at the Memorial Centre. Ryan Lanchbury made his Lakers’ debut after being acquired last week from Oakville. Lanchbury scored a pair of goals, one going right up the middle and the other a soft floater from the right side. He added two assists to lead Peterborough with four points. “There’s going to be a learning curve for him, jumping in with a bunch of guys he hasn’t played with. He sees the floor well and he’s going to make our lives so much better and our right side as well,” said Lakers’ head coach Mike Hasen. Cobourg has made top to bottom changes in recent years, with former Lakers coaches Joe Sullivan and Jamie Batley now behind their bench. They have a solid young core that works hard, as evidenced by their 4-3-0 record in which they boast wins over Brooklin (twice) and Peterborough. They visit the Memorial Centre on July 2nd and July 23rd. Mike Robinson and Colton Armstrong put the Lakers up 2-0 but Cobourg quickly tied it. Rob Hellyer scored on a low squeaker but Brock Haley tied it with a big wind up from the outside. In the second, Cobourg turned on the jets to score five in a row for an 8-3 lead, which spelled the end of Deacan Knott’s night in net, after 24 saves on 32 shots. He was replaced by Drew Hutchison, who also faced 32 shots and made 27 saves. Taite Cattoni and Ryan Lanchbury got the Lakers on the board in the frame but former Jr. A Laker Zach Thompson scored a pair (and three overall) in the latter stages to put Cobourg in double digits. After the Kodiaks scored on the power play, Peterborough rattled off four goals to cut the deficit to 11-9. Unfortunately, Alex Marinier scored his third and fourth goals of the contest to finish it out. “Whenever you drop one, it doesn’t feel good,” said Hasen. “We’ll take this one to heart for sure. We see them two more times and we’ll remember this. It’s what happens tomorrow that we have to focus on. It’s still 18 games of lessons.” Lowes Return to Lineup Defender Holden Lowes returned to the lineup after missing the 2025 season rehabbing a torn ACL suffered with the Arena Lacrosse League’s Peterborough Timbermen. The local player was acquired from Cobourg in 2024. It was a tough game in which to make his return, not only for the loss, but with two veteran defenders in Robert Hope and Jake Withers away. “Those two guys are fearless leaders that have been here a long time and they do a good job vocally and leading by example, so it’s important when those guys aren’t around that us younger guys step up and rise to the occasion,” Lowes said. “They aren’t going to be [playing] forever so it’s important that we continue that legacy.” Despite the loss, Lowes was glad to be playing again. “It was a game time decision. I had some hoops to jump through with the training staff, but I checked all the boxes. It’s always a privilege to put the jersey on.” Said coach Hasen: “It was a long road to recovery for Holden. He didn’t get a whole lot of shifts (on Sunday) but every shift he was stronger and a little bit faster and I think a little bit more comfortable and confident in his game.” Of Note Peterborough was 1/3 on the power play with a shorthanded goal, and Brampton was 2/4 Peterborough had 43 shots on goal compared to 64 for Cobourg The Lakers host Brooklin on Thursday at 8 p.m. at the PMC for PRHC Night. The team will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned after the game with proceeds benefitting the PRHC Foundation, plus a Porter Martone signed hockey stick. Proceeds from the ball toss will also support PRHC. Full Lakers Scoring Ryan Lanchbury 2-2 Mike Robinson 2-1 Taite Cattoni 2-0 Rob Hellyer 1-2 Colton Armitage 1-2 Colton Armstrong 1-0 Braedon Saris 0-3 PHOTOS BY ANNA TAYLOR

DiLauro the Hero in Comeback Win

By Anna Taylor • June 19, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers staged a small but mighty comeback on Thursday night, beating the Brampton Excelsiors 10-9 at Memorial Arena. The teams were tied at five after the first, and seven after the second. Brampton surged ahead 9-7 with seven minutes to play in the third, but the Lakers dug deep to pull off the comeback. Rob Hellyer scored his third and fourth goals of the game, kicking off the run with a power play goal with 3:01 to play. He tied the game with an outside rip 38 seconds later. Sr. B callup Nick DiLauro scored the game winner with 37 seconds left. DiLauro also scored in the second period, his first MSL goal, and the team made sure to save the ball for him. He had played one game last season as a Jr. A callup but did not score. It was a special moment for a local player who has spent his career being coached by current Lakers players and coaches. “First game so a little bit of nervousness,” he said. “I was tossed in there, thought I’d just play my game, do what I’m good at and find my way in the lineup and make things happen.” The Lakers record improves to 4-3 but Hellyer admitted that they didn’t play their best against the now 1-6 Excelsiors. “We were maybe looking at the standings when we shouldn’t,” he said. “We took them a little lighter than we should have. Energy was real low tonight I thought, and just sloppy… We found a way to win, wasn’t pretty, but we have to beat the teams we’re supposed to beat.” DiLauro said the team found themselves in a slump at first, but “we just tried to stick to the plan and get the juice going.” Hellyer added two assists to his four-goal output, while DiLauro and Braedon Saris each scored two goals and one assist. Taite Cattoni, who returned to the lineup after missing one game due to injury, contributed four assists. Nick Rose picked up the win in goal. Connor O’Toole suffered the loss for Brampton. The Excelsiors were led by Coltrane Tyson’s three goals and five assists, and Mike Triolo’s two goals and three assists. Jr. A Laker graduates Michael Blaymires (1G/1A) and Curtis Ward (1G/2A) also helped out offensively. Of Note - Peterborough was 1/2 on the power play, and Brampton was 2/4 - The Lakers are on the road Sunday, Father’s Day, in Cobourg at 6 p.m. at the Cobourg Community Centre. They return home on Thursday, June 25 when Brooklin makes their second visit of the season. Full Lakers Scoring Rob Hellyer 4-2 Nick DiLauro 2-1 Braedon Saris 2-1 Liam Patten 1-0 Frank Coyle 1-0 Taite Cattoni 0-4 Adam Thistlethwaite 0-1 Jordan Stouros 0-1 Robert Hope 0-1 DJ Clark 0-1 Liam Vollans 0-1 Dylan Hutchison 0-1
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