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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Lakers Put Up Fight But Can't Get Past Rock

By Anna Taylor • June 2, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers suffered an 11-9 loss to the Oakville Rock at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre on Monday. It evens their record on the young MSL season to 2-2. Oakville jumped out to a 3-0 lead before Justin Sykes got the Lakers on the board, but that was their only tally of the first period. Ennismore Sr. B call-up Liam Vollans pulled the Lakers within a goal with his first career marker 4:07 into the second period, but Oakville rattled off three more before Cam Milligan stopped the run. Oakville led 6-3 after 40 minutes. The Lakers put up a fight in the third period but Oakville went on a short run late to put the game out of reach. Taite Cattoni capitalized twice on power play goals, and Rob Hellyer also scored twice, once on a beauty behind-the-back shot. Vollans picked up his second of the game with three seconds left. Defensive coach Bobby Keast said the team didn’t get the start they wanted. “You never want to go down 3-0, you want to battle right from the opening faceoff… We had opportunities to make it up and we didn’t capitalize on those opportunities either. We gave up quite a bit in transition, but even when Deacan (Knott) did his job in transition, we didn’t do a good job picking up the guys coming off their bench… We didn’t box out well enough on giving them second opportunities, so it’s a challenge if you don’t do the little things and tonight, we didn’t. Deacan did his job as far as I’m concerned.” Knott stopped 44 shots in his second start of the season. Oakville was led by Tye Steenhuis, son of former Laker Mark Steenhuis, with three goals and two assists. Justin Lee and Mike McCannell each scored twice and assisted on two others. Evan Constantopoulos made 46 saves. Of Note: - The Lakers were 3/6 on the power play, while the Excelsiors were 1/2 - Shots on goal were even at 55 each - Missing in action were Drew Hutchison, Carter Page, Matt Gilray, (personal), Jake Withers, Robert Hope, Ben Trumble, Johnny Pearson, Braedon Saris, DJ Clark (work/school), Dustyn Birkhof, Alex Pace, Holden Lowes, Thomas Hoggarth, Frank Coyle (injured), Brad McCulley (suspended) - Aside from Vollans and Milligan, the Lakers called up Colton Armitage from Hamilton Sr. B and Jack Longmore from Ennismore Sr. B to fill out the roster - The Lakers are next in action at home on Thursday, June 4 when the Brooklin Lacrosse Club pays a visit to the Memorial Centre. It’s John Grant Jr. Night, and he will be in attendance ahead of his Saturday induction to the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame Full Lakers Scoring: Rob Hellyer 2-4 Taite Cattoni 2-1 Liam Vollens 2-0 Liam Patten 1-1 Cam Milligan 1-1 Justin Sykes 1-0 Mike Robinson 0-4 Holden Cattoni 0-3 Nick Crowley 0-1 PHOTOS COURTESY OF RYAN MCCULLOUGH/OAKVILLE ROCK

Lakers Prevail Over North Stars

By Anna Taylor • May 31, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers moved to 2-1 on the MSL season with a 9-6 win over the Owen Sound North Stars at Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre on Saturday afternoon. Mike Robinson led the Lakers with four goals and two assists. Six players called up from the Jr. A Lakers were able to show off their chops as they filled in for a number of regulars unable to make the game. Zach McLean scored twice and Nate Sage once, while Brayden D’Innocenzo, Carter Frost, Hayden Addison and Kellar Kelusky helped stack the defence. It was a proud day for Kellar Kelusky’s father - Lakers’ offensive coach Tracey Kelusky. “It was awesome seeing him out there,” Tracey said. “Crazy how fast the time goes. Feels like yesterday he was a toddler walking into the room, giving the former Lakers knuckles after games. Time has a way of flying by. It’s a pretty proud moment for sure. Watching kids grow up around the game and then seeing them out here competing themselves is something special.” Said Kellar after the game: “It was an awesome experience being able to play for a team I’ve grown up watching my dad play for as well as a team I’ve been watching with Hayden Addison, a teammate I’ve played with since I was able to hold a stick. We were both so excited to have this awesome opportunity to play for our hometown team.” Drew Hutchison got the start and made a number of good saves down the stretch after the Lakers worked their way back from deficits of 3-0 and 3-2 in the first period. They led the rest of the game. Last season’s MSL MVP Jackson Webster had a goal and an assist for the North Stars. The Lakers are back on the road Monday for a 7:30 p.m. visit to the Oakville Rock. Stream the game live or on demand through Flo Sports. Of Note: - The Lakers were 3/4 on the power play, while the Excelsiors were 2/7 - Missing in action were Deacan Knott, Carter Page, Matt Gilray, Holden Cattoni, Braedon Saris, Rob Hellyer (personal), Ben Trumble, Johnny Pearson, Nick Crowley, DJ Clark (work/school), Dustyn Birkhof, Alex Pace, Holden Lowes, Thomas Hoggarth, Frank Coyle (injured), Brad McCulley and Liam Patten (suspended) - The Lakers are next in action at home on Thursday, June 4 when the Brooklin Lacrosse Club pays a visit to the Memorial Centre. It’s John Grant Jr. Night! Full Lakers Scoring: Mike Robinson 4-2 Zach McLean 2-1 Justin Sykes 1-2 Nate Sage 1-1 Colton Armstrong 1-0 Cam Milligan 0-5 Taite Cattoni 0-3 PHOTOS BY AVA WOOD
Deacan Knott smiles in the post-game handshake line

Knott Debuts in Big Win Over Brampton

By Anna Taylor • May 29, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers picked up their first win of the 2026 MSL season Thursday night with a big 16-6 win over the Brampton Excelsiors at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Justin Sykes and Taite Cattoni led the Lakers with three goals each, and the team was aided in its effort by goaltender Deacan Knott, who got the call for his first MSL start. Knott made 34 saves in a game he’d dreamed about since he was eight years old. “It’s incredible. I’ve dreamed of this since I… started lacrosse. I always wanted to be a Laker. Getting the start and getting to play was incredible,” said Knott, who got a heads up he’d be playing earlier this week. “The nerves were good nerves for sure. I had a lot of family and friends here [and] the guys scoring 16 tonight definitely made it a little easier. Right from the defence to the offence it was a great night.” Since graduating from junior lacrosse with a Minto Cup under his belt, Knott has spent the past two seasons training with the Lakers and backing up Drew Hutchison and Nick Rose while playing full-time for the Sr. B Brooklin Merchants, who hosted and finished second at the President’s Cup last season. Knott allowed two goals on his first three shots of his debut game but settled in quickly. "Super excited for him," said Sykes. "I’m not from here but I know it probably means a lot to him because it means a lot to me just to be able to put on the jersey. We’re super excited for him. He played great and we need to build off of it." Peterborough jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after a power play goal by Braedon Saris, which Taite Cattoni followed up 13 seconds later. Mark Watters got one back for the Excelsiors before Sykes converted Holden Cattoni’s behind-the back-pass for a highlight-reel marker. Adam Thistlethwaite scored his first of the season off a Colton Armstrong pass after he won a battle against the boards. Brampton was struggling to get shots on goal, but Eric Ward got one through just before the halfway point of the period. The Lakers finished off the period with goals from Sykes, Saris and Rob Hellyer. Hellyer’s goal, shot directly up the middle, was the game winner with 1:18 left in the first period. “We needed to wipe the memory of last week and focus on ourselves. We talked about it in the locker room before the game. Play with some energy, play fast, play for the guy next to you,” said Sykes. “A lot of the veteran guys stepped back in and the chemistry is there. Being able to build on the chemistry from last year, just to be able to play long into August and September.” In the second, Taite Cattoni scored before Adam Jay recorded his first Lakers’ goal, choosing to shoot on a two-on-one transition break with Brenden Boyle. Jr. A callup Mason Cree then scored his first MSL goal after Jake Withers scooped up a loose ball. Hellyer traded goals with Mike Triolo to end the frame. In the final frame, Peterborough increased their lead to 15-3 before Brampton found some energy and scored three in a row, including a pair of power play goals, one from former Jr. A Laker Curtis Ward, who also had three assists. Nick Rose is expected to rejoin the Lakers this weekend while Knott has a family commitment to attend. That said, Knott is determined to keep fighting for a spot in the lineup each night. "If I start or if I don’t, I’m going to be battling the whole time," he stated. "I’m still going to be a good teammate to everybody no matter who’s starting." The Lakers have a busy few days ahead. Saturday, they have an early road trip to Owen Sound for a 4 p.m. tilt against the North Stars. Monday, they’re right back on the road, heading to Oakville for a 7:30 p.m. game against Landon Kells and the Rock. Both games can be streamed live or on demand with a subscription to Flo Sports. Of Note - Attendance was 2602 - The Lakers were 1/2 on the power play, while the Excelsiors were 2/4 - Peterborough outshot Brampton 51-40 - Jake Withers won 20 of 25 faceoffs - The Three Stars sponsored by Wiser’s were 1. Knott, 2. Sykes, 3. Taite Cattoni - Missing in action were Nick Rose, Carter Page (personal), Ben Trumble, Johnny Pearson (work), Dustyn Birkhof, Alex Pace, Holden Lowes, Thomas Hoggarth (injured) and Brad McCulley (suspended), as well as Matt Gilray, Chris Harland and Frank Coyle - To fill out the roster, the Lakers called up Mason Cree and Wyatt Wiggins from Peterborough Jr. A, and Cam Milligan from Belleville Sr. B. - The Lakers are next in action at home on Thursday, June 4 when the Brooklin Lacrosse Club pays a visit to the Memorial Centre. It’s John Grant Jr. Night! - The Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association showed up in force with about 400 attendees from the city’s minor teams, who all took the floor with the Lakers for the national anthem. Full Lakers Scoring: Justin Sykes 3-1 Taite Cattoni 3-1 Rob Hellyer 2-4 Braedon Saris 2-2 Mike Robinson 1-3 Holden Cattoni 1-3 Mason Cree 1-2 Colton Armstrong 1-2 Adam Jay 1-1 Adam Thistlethwaite 1-0 Jake Withers 0-2 Robert Hope 0-2 Dylan Hutchison 0-1 Cam Milligan 0-1 Photos by David Pickering @picks_pics

Shorthanded Lakers Fall to Chiefs in Home Opener

By Anna Taylor • May 22, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers fell to the Six Nations Chiefs 11-6 on Thursday night during their 2026 Major Series Lacrosse home opener at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The defending Mann Cup champion Chiefs, who were already 1-0 on the season after a 12-0 win over Owen Sound on Monday, were sporting nearly their entire roster, while the Lakers were shorthanded, missing several regulars to prior commitments and injury. “Unfortunately, it’s May 21 st . Our roster is healing from the winter,” said Lakers head coach Mike Hasen. “They’re going to be here and it’s going to be a lot better.” The Lakers don't usually start until the end of May or the beginning of June. That said, Hasen didn’t mind the start. “(We) competed against the best team in Canada. There were a lot of good pieces on the floor here tonight. Scoreboard wise, we kind of poo-pooed it a little bit, but when our group really gets here, we’ll start clicking and you’ll see what these guys are going to do for us.” Regardless, the hometown team put up a good effort, particularly in the second period, where they matched the Chiefs three-goal output with three of their own, including a pair from returning veteran Rob Hellyer, who also sent a pinpoint pass to Justin Sykes for a quick-stick power play goal in the frame. The Chiefs led 11-4 in the third after Chris Cloutier scored shorthanded, Andrew Kew picked up his second of the game, and Dhane Smith recorded his fifth point of the night. The Lakers finished the game with two goals, from Carter Page and Matt Gilray, who finished off a transition run, to cut the deficit. Dylan Hutchison scored the Lakers’ first goal of the season on an outside shot in the first period, tying the game 1-1 at the time, but Six Nations led 5-1 after the opening frame. Jay Joins the Lakers Just prior to the game, the Lakers swung a trade with the Oakville Rock, bringing in veteran defender Adam Jay in exchange for a 2029 second round draft pick. “It was a casual workday and then Mike Hasen let me know – we work together (at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre) – as soon as I was leaving work, go get your gear and come to the rink. I wanted to play on a competitive team, so I said, ‘Mike, let me come play if you’ve got a spot.’” Jay is a stay-at-home defender but will go up the floor “the odd time,” he said. “Sound defence and fundamentals, not letting guys get around you, playing physical in the middle.” From Victoria, BC, Jay has been in Ontario for eight years, after signing with the NLL’s Toronto Rock. He was traded to Saskatchewan in 2024. In the MSL, he played several seasons with Oakville and then spent the 2024 season playing for the Victoria Shamrocks who lost in the Mann Cup to Six Nations. Jay made his Lakers debut alongside fellow defenders Liam Patten, acquired from Brampton, and 2024 draft pick Brenden Boyle, who spent the prior two seasons playing in Nanaimo. Of Note - Attendance was 2450 - The Lakers were 2/6 on the power play, while the Chiefs were 1/1 with one shorthanded goal - Six Nations outshot Peterborough 61-52 - Missing in action were Robert Hope (coaching the Jr. A Lakers), Jake Withers, Johnny Pearson, Holden Cattoni (work commitments), Mike Robinson, Nick Rose, Ben Trumble (personal commitments), Dustyn Birkhof, Alex Pace, Holden Lowes, Thomas Hoggarth (injured) and Brad McCulley (suspended) - To fill out the roster, the Lakers called up Matt Tamlin and Jack Longmore from Ennismore Sr. B, and Colton Armitage from Hamilton Sr. B. - The Lakers are next in action at home on Thursday, May 28 when the Brampton Excelsiors pay a visit to the Memorial Centre Full Lakers Scoring Rob Hellyer 2-2 Justin Sykes 1-2 Matt Gilray 1-0 Carter Page 1-0 Dylan Hutchison 1-0 Braedon Saris 0-4 Taite Cattoni 0-4 Photos by Christine Liu

Three New Exciting Fan Initiatives This Season!

By Anna Taylor • May 19, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are always looking for ways to innovate their fan experiences. This summer, in addition to the previously announced Toss For a Cause, three new initiatives will pique interest: the Lakers Trolley, a new podcast, and the Legends Club. Lakers Trolley 🚋 The Lakers will be introducing a Trolley to select home games this season starting with the Home Opener this Thursday against the Six Nations Chiefs. The Trolley is being sponsored exclusively on opening night by 180 Hunter Bar & Restaurant and will begin picking up Lakers fans starting at 6:45 p.m. for transport to the Memorial Centre, with additional pickups leading up to game time. There is no cost to fans to ride the Trolley. The Trolley will return fans downtown approximately 15 minutes after the game. The DBIA is also helping sponsor the Trolley this season. Any businesses interested in sponsoring the Lakers Trolley can contact Pete Dalliday at petedalliday@gmail.com . There is currently room for four more sponsors. New Podcast 🎙️ Get ready for a Lakers podcast! Pete Dalliday and Scott Arnold are the hosts of The Lake Show – The Official Podcast of the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers. The first episode will drop this week and is fueled by Boston Pizza . The podcast will feature interviews with current and former Lakers players along with game talk, stories and behind-the-scenes content from around the organization. Legends Club 💎 Welcome to the Legends Club! A brand-new premium area located inside the Pat Casey Peterborough Petes Alumni Room where Lakers fans can enjoy a new game night experience featuring: A private bar A light buffet included with admission A great space to mingle with fellow Lakers fans and players Introductory pricing: $40 for current season ticket holders $60 including a Club Seat for the game Any person or group interested in booking into The Legends Club for Opening Night is asked to contact Pete Dalliday at petedalliday@gmail.com .

New Ball Toss Supports Local Organizations

By Anna Taylor • May 17, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are introducing a new intermission activity for fans of all ages. The new “Toss For a Cause” presented by Desjardins Insurance partners with local teams and groups to raise money for their organizations. Proceeds from the May 21 st home opener will support Kawartha Fury Lacrosse. Fans can purchase three balls for $5.00 from one of three locations throughout the arena, and are encouraged to toss them on the floor at second intermission. The closest ball to the centre dot wins a prize. “Toss For a Cause” Presented by Desjardins Insurance 🔵⚪🔴 3 Balls for $5 🔴⚪🔵 🎟️ Over 1,000 balls available for sale! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Open to all fans! Purchase your balls in: Front Lobby East Lobby Club Lounge 🎯 During the 2nd Intermission , fans will toss their balls onto the turf — closest to the dot wins the top prize! 💙 Opening Night proceeds will help support Kawartha Fury Lacrosse Currently seeking teams and groups who wish to take part and raise some funds for their group. Contact Pete Dalliday petedalliday@gmail.com . Be part of the fun all summer long with the Peterborough Lakers!

Lakers Defence Ready to Go

By Anna Taylor • May 15, 2026
The Century 21 Lakers back end is ready for the 2026 season. Over the last week, the team announced a number of veteran defenders returning for another run at the Mann Cup national championship. Foremost among the returnees is captain Robert Hope, the 14-year Sr. Laker stalwart. A Peterborough native and Jr. A Laker graduate, Hope was named captain in 2017 and has led the team to four Mann Cup championships. He is joined by fellow Peterborough natives Dustyn Birkhof and Dylan Hutchison. Assistant captain Matt Gilray also returns for his 10 th season. Sophomore Chris Harland is expected to play a bigger role this season for the Lakers after honing his skills with the Arena Lacrosse League’s Toronto Monarchs. Newcomer Brenden Boyle, drafted by the Lakers in 2024, has committed to the team for the season after playing in Nanaimo for the last two summers. All three Lakers’ goaltenders are back. Nick Rose and Drew Hutchison will join the team when the NLL season concludes. The two are set to face off against each other in the NLL Cup championship, which begins tonight in Hamilton with Rose’s Toronto Rock taking on Hutchison’s Halifax Thunderbirds in a best-of-three series. Deacan Knott will hold down the fort until they return. The Lakers will continue to announce more player signings in the coming days. Tickets for all home games including the May 21 st home opener versus Six Nations are available now at the Doane Grant Thornton box office in person, by phone at 705-743-3561 or online at https://www.ticketmaster.ca/century-21-peterborough-lakers-tickets/artist/958709 .

Lakers Trade for Liam Patten

By Anna Taylor • May 7, 2026
The Century 21 Lakers announced a trade last night, bringing in 6’1, 200 lb. righty defender Liam Patten from the Brampton Excelsiors along with a fifth-round draft pick in 2027. Going the other way to Brampton are Michael Blaymires, Cody Inness, a 2027 third round draft pick and future considerations. Last season with Brampton, Patten appeared in 10 games, scoring four goals and four assists with 11 penalty minutes. He previously played with the Cobourg Kodiaks and Victoria Shamrocks. Patten, who was drafted 26 th overall by Calgary in 2017, has had stops with the NLL in Buffalo, Philadelphia and Panther City. He has played the last two seasons back in Philadelphia under former Lakers’ GM Paul Day and current offensive coach Tracey Kelusky, now counted on as a veteran presence on the back end. Patten hails from Barrie and played collegiate lacrosse at the University of Guelph. Season ticket holders are reminded that should they wish to move the location of their seats, they may do so Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8 at the box office. Season tickets continue to be available for new subscribers. Single-game tickets, including the May 21 st home opener against the Six Nations Chiefs, go on sale Monday, May 11 th . Photo of Liam Patten by David Pickering/NLL

Pair of Righties Return to Lakers

By Anna Taylor • May 5, 2026
The Century 21 Lakers are happy to announce the return of righty forward Rob Hellyer for their 2026 Mann Cup hunt. The 5’9, 180 lb. Hellyer was originally acquired from the Oakville Rock in 2024 in exchange for defenders Thomas Whitty and Matt Wright. The native of Lion’s Head, Ontario, had 44 points across nine games in the regular season plus another 42 playoff points to finish second in team scoring. Hellyer signed with the San Diego Seals of the National Lacrosse League in time for the 2024-25 season and moved with his wife to San Diego, so was unavailable to the Lakers last summer. After a trade to Ottawa prior to the 2025-26 season, Hellyer and his family returned home to Ontario. The 33-year-old had an excellent season in Ottawa, finishing second in team scoring and 12 th overall in the league with 32 goals and 67 assists for 99 points. His passing skills were a key component in Jeff Teat’s season-long stranglehold on the top of the scoring chart. Also returning to the Lakers’ right side is Braedon Saris , fresh off his rookie season with the Colorado Mammoth, where he finished fourth in team scoring with 16 goals and 37 assists. Saris was acquired by the Lakers from the Cobourg Kodiaks last summer in exchange for Tommy Collins and a third-round draft pick. Saris proved to be a key power play quarterback for the Lakers and finished the regular season with 29 points and the playoffs with 31 points. Season ticket holders are reminded to renew their seats by Wednesday, May 6 th at 4 p.m. Season ticket holder seat swap days occur May 7 th and 8 th . New this year is the ability to renew online at am.ticketmaster.com/peterboroughlakers/ . Season tickets continue to be available for new subscribers. Single-game tickets, including the May 21 st home opener against the Six Nations Chiefs, go on sale Monday, May 11 th . The full 2026 Home Schedule at the Peterborough Memorial Centre is as follows: ● Thursday, May 21 – 8:00 PM vs. Six Nations Chiefs ● Thursday, May 28 – 8:00 PM vs. Brampton Excelsiors ● Thursday, June 4 – 8:00 PM vs. Brooklin LC ● Thursday, June 25 – 8:00 PM vs. Brooklin LC ● Thursday, July 2 – 8:00 PM vs. Cobourg Kodiaks ● Thursday, July 9 – 8:00 PM vs. Owen Sound North Stars ● Thursday, July 16 – 8:00 PM vs. Oakville Rock ● Thursday, July 23 – 8:00 PM vs. Cobourg Kodiaks ● Thursday, July 30 – 8:00 PM vs. Owen Sound North Stars Keep watching the Lakers’ official website and social media platforms for more season news!
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