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 Season Ends in MSL Finals

By Anna Taylor • August 31, 2026
The 2026 MSL season ended too soon for the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers, who had been hoping to play into September. For the fourth consecutive season, the Lakers were knocked out of Mann Cup contention by the Six Nations Chiefs. This year, the Lakers fell in six games, losing the final game 10-3 on home floor at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. “We took a good team to six games, and a lot of people might not have been expecting that,” said forward Braedon Saris. “But that just goes to show the belief we have in our locker room, and I think that will show again next year and we’ll be hungry again.” The Chiefs will host the WLA champion Coquitlam Adanacs in the Mann Cup beginning September 11 at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. They are trying to become the third team to win four national championships in a row after the Peterborough Timbermen/Trailermen (1951-54) and Lakers (2017-22). This is Coquitlam’s first Cup appearance since they lost to Peterborough in 2007. With the Lakers finishing the regular season in third place, expectations were not high for a club that struggled to find a consistent lineup early on. Those fears were laid to rest as the team’s lineup solidified late in the season, finishing on a four-game win streak. They dispatched the Oakville Rock in four games before meeting the Chiefs for the sixth consecutive year in the Finals. “We’re proud of how we came together and put together a good effort. It’s not what we set out to achieve and it’s challenging at times when you have people in and out of the lineup but we showed what we’re capable of for a couple of games in this series. We just didn’t have it for enough games,” said defender Dylan Hutchison. Until Game 6, the home team had won every game with the Lakers taking Game 2 9-8 and Game 4 12-8. The Lakers survived the first five minutes of Game 6, but the Chiefs broke through at 6:15. Ian MacKay scored a pair before Rob Hellyer got the Lakers on the board. Chris Cloutier and Shayne Jackson made it 5-1 before the first period was out. Each team scored twice in the second period, with Saris capitalizing on the Lakers only power play of the game. Brad McCulley snuck a shot in from the side of the net with 3.8 seconds left. The Lakers were held scoreless in the third period. “Our offence, they work hard every game,” said goaltender Drew Hutchison. “It just wasn’t our night. Our shots weren’t sinking. But you have to give Six Nations credit, they have a great defence and they have two great goalies. We gave it our all, but we just didn’t have enough juice to get by them.” Hutchison started Game 1 after taking command of the net towards the end of the regular season. He was lifted midway through the game for the experienced Nick Rose, who locked it down in Games 2-4. But late in Game 4, Rose felt something tweak in his knee. He backed up Game 5 and arrived early to Game 6 for treatment but didn’t feel like he could be effective. Head coach Mike Hasen said with a wry smile after the game that there were too many injuries to list after such an intense playoff season. The Finals were rough and took a toll on every player. The bruises will fade but the memory of losing never gets easier. “It’s a bad taste in our mouth right now, just having that still fresh,” captain Robert Hope said. “I wish we could play right now, play again. It’s a long wait. I’m already thinking about next year. Anytime you miss out on an opportunity it’s difficult because you have that bad taste and you only get so many runs at it.” Hasen expects the core of the team to return next summer. “The bitter pill of defeat is on the tips of their tongues right now,” he acknowledged. “A lot of the guys have a long winter ahead of them (in the NLL), some are still in school. We’ll circle back and we’ll see but I do expect a good core of this group back to continue to battle.” The experience of this season will only help them in the future, he added. “Moreso because there’s a lot of new guys that are being introduced to this series, which bodes well for us moving forward. We’ve made a cognizant effort, while we’re trying to load up with superstar talent, to really have the core pieces that are young, learn.” Hope believes this was the closest the Lakers have come in four years, and that they’ll continue to close the gap next summer. “I really love this group. I really do… I believe the future is bright for us. We’ll learn lessons from this one and right back at it next year.” Of Note - Attendance was 3,134 – the biggest crowd of the season - Jake Withers won 15/16 faceoffs - Peterborough was 1/1 on the power play while the Chiefs were 1/3 - The Chiefs outshot the Lakers 66-41 - Doug Jamieson was named the playoff MVP and winner of the Johnny Shooter Davis Award - Rob Hellyer and Ryan Lanchbury tied for first in playoff scoring with 36 points each. Hellyer picked up 16G/20A and Lanchbury 11G/25A. Dhane Smith finished third with 13G/19A/32P. Full Lakers Scoring Rob Hellyer 1-1 Braedon Saris 1-0 Brad McCulley 1-0 Ryan Lanchbury 0-2 Thomas Hoggarth 0-1 Matt Gilray 0-1 PHOTOS BY DAVID PICKERING @_picks_pics

Sunday's Game Six Now Do or Die as Lakers Falter in Game 5

By Anna Taylor • August 28, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers want seven games. The Lakers fell to the Six Nations Chiefs 11-5 in Game 5 of the MSL Finals on Thursday night at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena, meaning they now trail the Chiefs 3-2 in the best-of-seven. Game 6, on Sunday night at the Memorial Centre, is a must-win, or the season is over. If they win, Game 7 is Tuesday night back at the ILA. Over the next two days, the Lakers will “rest, recover and refocus and get ready to lay it all on the line for each other,” according to head coach Mike Hasen. The biggest games are always saved for last. “It’s going to be the most exciting game all year,” said defender Jordan Stouros. “We’re looking forward to it; we’re as dialed in as we can be.” Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster, or through the box office by phone at 705-743-3561 or in person at the PMC. The Lakers were held scoreless through the first period and trailed 4-0. The Chiefs upped their lead to 7-0 on a hat trick from Lyle Thompson that included a penalty shot goal, before Ryan Lanchbury got Peterborough on the board. “We just couldn’t get going,” said Hasen. “Just kind of stuck in first gear a bit and they slowly pecked away at us. It’s not like we let it get out of hand or out of control, we still had our opportunities, we just weren’t our best to start, to say the least.” The Chiefs were awarded the penalty shot after a crease melee saw Liam Patten take a five and a two after a Chief fell into Drew Hutchison, with Colton Armitage already in the box. Adam Jay and Dhane Smith also received offsetting minors, and Jake Withers a 10-minute misconduct. Lanchbury kicked off a three-goal run with shorthanded and power play markers. Brad McCulley added a behind-the-back highlight reel marker. Dhane Smith and Rob Hellyer traded goals to end the period with the Lakers trailing 8-4. Hellyer’s second of the game was a sharp bounce shot four minutes into the third period. But, the Chiefs scored the next three: Chris Cloutier on a crease dive, Ian MacKay on a fast break and Andrew Kew scored on a sidearm shot. Hutchison got the call in goal. It was his first action after he was pulled in Game 1 at the ILA. Nick Rose had played in his place. “That was a little bit of overthinking a bit,” Hasen explained. “We expected a long series. Hutchy’s been really good for us and we just wanted them to have different look at him to start… He settled in and gave us an opportunity.” The Lakers will be ready to lay everything on the line Sunday to continue his season. Get your tickets now for the game of the season. It’s a 7 p.m. start on Sunday at the PMC. Of Note - Jake Withers won 12/14 faceoffs with Frank Coyle 1/2 and Matt Gilray 0/3. The Chiefs won 6/19. - Peterborough was 1/4 on the power play with one shorthanded marker while the Chiefs were 3/5 with a penalty shot goal. - A good crowd took in the game outdoors at Quaker Square on the big screen. The Boro will host another free watch party for Game 7! Full Lakers Scoring Ryan Lanchbury 2-1 Rob Hellyer 2-0 Brad McCulley 1-0 Justin Sykes 0-1 Braedon Saris 0-1 Frank Coyle 0-1 Colton Armitage 0-1 Photos by Samuel Gassira @gasstanksports and Anna Taylor

Game Six Tickets on Sale Thursday

By Anna Taylor • August 27, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers and the Peterborough Memorial Centre have announced that tickets for Game 6 of the MSL Finals will be on sale Thursday morning at 10 a.m. The game will take place Sunday, August 30 at 7 p.m. The Lakers forced a sixth game in the best-of-seven series after beating the Six Nations Chiefs 12-8 in Game 4 on Tuesday night in front of a season-high crowd of 3,125. The winner of the series will host the Coquitlam Adanacs in the 2026 Mann Cup. This is the sixth consecutive year the Lakers and Chiefs have met in the finals, and 10 th time since 2014. Peterborough has won four times, and Six Nations five including the last three. So far in the current series, Six Nations took Games 1 and 3 on their home turf 11-5 and 12-9, and the Lakers responded with wins at the Memorial Centre in Games 2 (9-8) and 4. Game 5 is Thursday night at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena at 8 p.m. The Boro is hosting a free Watch Party at Quaker Square. Come downtown early, grab a bite to eat at one of the great restaurants in the area, wear your Lakers colours and get ready to cheer! Tickets for Game 6 are available through Ticketmaster , by phone at 705-743-3561, or in person at the Doane Grant Thornton Box Office. Those who opted into Pay as You Play packages had their cards charged on Wednesday. If necessary, Game 7 will be at the ILA on Tuesday, September 1.

Hot Start Sees Lakers Tie MSL Finals 2-2

By Anna Taylor • August 26, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers played well enough for 53 minutes on Tuesday night to hold on for a 12-8 win over the Six Nations Chiefs at the Memorial Centre. The win ties the MSL Final series at two games apiece, meaning the series is down to a best of three to determine who will host the Mann Cup. Game 5 is Thursday in Six Nations at 8 p.m., with Game 6 set for Sunday night at 7 p.m. back at the Memorial Centre. If necessary, Game 7 will be next Tuesday, September 1 in Six Nations. Peterborough took an 11-2 lead into the third period, hanging on at that score until Dhane Smith broke through on a power play with 7:07 left. Three more goals ensued in the next two minutes, which cut the lead to 11-6. Late power plays allowed the Chiefs to close the gap even further before Matt Gilray scored into the empty net off a Jake Withers faceoff win. “We came out with a purpose and played a great game,” said goaltender Nick Rose. “The third period is what it is. That’s going to happen in lacrosse. Teams are going to find goals and penalties are going to happen but overall we can be pretty satisfied with our performance.” Rose made 56 saves: 17 in the first period, 16 in the second and 23 in the third as the Chiefs pressed. “We knew they were going to have a push. There are all-world players over there. You’re not going to hold them down for an entire game.” Head coach Mike Hasen called it Rose’s best game ever in a Lakers uniform. “He’s playing exceptionally well, and it leads out from there,” Hasen praised. The Lakers had their best start of the playoffs, building up a 6-0 first period lead. Justin Sykes quick-sticked the ball in from the front of the net just 55 seconds into the game. Thomas Hoggarth made it 2-0 at 4:26. Taite Cattoni scored a pair of nearly identical outside shots four minutes apart, prompting the Chiefs to pull Warren Hill in favour of Doug Jamieson. Jamieson held down the fort for about five and a half minutes before Ryan Lanchbury, with a wicked underhand, and Brad McCulley, with a quick stick on the crease, scored late power play goals. Braedon Saris kicked off the second period by scoring on a rebound. Nate Sage took one for the team, earning the Lakers a five-minute power play, after he was pushed into the boards by Ian MacKay before Kyle Rubisch came in with the late hit up high. Cattoni took just 18 seconds to score his third of the game. His fourth came at the other end of the major penalty, though the Chiefs were able to kill off a five-on-three in the interim. Lyle Thompson finally got the Chiefs on the board at the 13:24 mark after he finished off Latrell Harris’ transition pass. Gilray responded three minutes later, converting Withers’ cross-floor pass while shorthanded for the Lakers’ 10 th goal. Dawson Theede scored 24 seconds later, on the power play, but it was Rob Hellyer who had the last laugh of the period, launching an outside shot into the back of the net. Warren Hill returned to the Chiefs net for the third period, likely to rest Jamieson who will start Thursday. “We did the right things in the first two periods,” said Cattoni. “We have to work on finishing the game obviously. We took some penalties and did the things we couldn’t do, but a win’s a win in the playoffs and they’re never easy. That’s a great team and we found a way to get a win here at home.” There was a melee with five seconds left in the game – Andrew Kew received a five-miniute major for cross checking Colton Armstrong to the floor, while Ian MacKay pulled off captain Robert Hope’s helmet and delivered a couple of punches to his jaw. Everyone else on the floor grappled with a member of the opposition. MacKay, Kew, Withers and Armstrong each received 10-minute misconducts, as did Dustyn Birkhof and Tyler Biles after they had words when lining up for the play to restart. The Boro will host a Watch Party for Game 5 on Thursday beginning at 8 p.m. at Quaker Foods City Square downtown. Tickets for Game 6 go on sale Thursday morning at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster and the Doane Grant Thornton Box Office. “There are no guarantees against the Six Nations Chiefs,” said Rose. “We’re going to have to win one on the road, we might as well make it the next game and see if we can’t come back home and try to finish it off.” Of Note - Attendance was 3,125 – the biggest crowd of the season - Peterborough was outshot by Six Nations 64-50 - Jake Withers won 16/20 faceoffs with Colton Armstrong 0/1 and Matt Gilray 0/2. The Chiefs won 7/23. - Peterborough was 4/5 on the power play with one shorthanded marker while the Chiefs were 4/6 - The Coquitlam Adanacs defeated the Victoria Shamrocks four games to two in the Western Lacrosse Association Finals, and will represent the WLA at the 2026 Mann Cup Full Lakers Scoring Taite Cattoni 4-0 Matt Gilray 2-0 Ryan Lanchbury 1-5 Braedon Saris 1-4 Rob Hellyer 1-3 Thomas Hoggarth 1-2 Brad McCulley 1-2 Justin Sykes 1-0 Jake Withers 0-2 Colton Armstrong 0-1 Dylan Hutchison 0-1 Photos by David Pickering @_picks_pics

Chiefs Take Close Game 3 Over Lakers

By Anna Taylor • August 24, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers played well on the road Sunday night but couldn’t quite get past the Six Nations Chiefs in a 12-9 loss. That gives the Chiefs a 2-1 series lead in the best of seven MSL Final with Game 4 set for Tuesday at the Memorial Centre. “For a 10-minute window in the second period they outworked us,” said defensive coach Bobby Keast. “We didn’t execute our jobs. Lacrosse can be a simple sport when you execute game plans. Don’t ever let a team get on a run.” Despite an early 2-0 deficit, the Lakers responded quickly and with force as both Justin Sykes and Rob Hellyer scored twice in the period to lead 4-2. Hellyer’s second goal came after Nick Rose made a big stop on a Tyson Bell fast break – Rose handed the ball off to Colton Armitage, the offence set up, and Hellyer went five-hole. After being held scoreless for most of the first period, the Chiefs’ offence sprung back to life in the second, keeping Peterborough on their heels. They tied the game by the six-minute mark, and although Thomas Hoggarth got one back, some defensive breakdowns allowed Six Nations the run that Keast referred to, as they scored four times in a span of 3:10 for an 8-5 lead. Braedon Saris scored on a power play but Lyle Thompson put a late underhand past Rose to maintain the three-goal lead. Nick Rose was briefly pulled after the Chiefs’ eighth goal but returned on the next possession and only allowed two more goals the rest of the way. Goals were traded three times in the third period, with the Chiefs responding to every Lakers’ comeback attempt. Hellyer scored his hat trick goal but Josh Byrne countered with a power play marker. Ryan Lanchbury cut across the top to score and Brad McCulley scored from his wrong side, but both goals were equalled by empty netters. Tickets for an important Game 4 on Tuesday are on sale now via Ticketmaster or through the Doane Grant Thornton Box Office. Game 5 is back in Six Nations on Thursday night. Of Note - Jake Withers won 21/24 faceoffs, while Tim Edwards won 3/24 - Peterborough was 1/2 on the power play while the Chiefs capitalized three times on five power plays - Due to rain, the Watch Party at Quaker Square was cancelled. The Boro will try again for Game 5 on Thursday! Full Lakers Scoring Rob Hellyer 3-1 Justin Sykes 2-2 Thomas Hoggarth 1-2 Brad McCulley 1-1 Ryan Lanchbury 1-0 Braedon Saris 1-0 Taite Cattoni 0-2 Liam Patten 0-1 Colton Armstrong 0-1 Colton Armitage 0-1 Nick Rose 0-1 Photos by Anna Taylor

Away Game Watch Parties Set for Quaker Square

By Anna Taylor • August 21, 2026
LAKERS NATION: THE FINALS ARE COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN! You asked for it! The Peterborough DBIA, in partnership with the City of Peterborough, is bringing the arena energy and road-game excitement to the heart of downtown. Let's gather together at the Quaker Foods City Square to cheer on the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers live on the big screen as they take on the Chiefs in the MSL Finals. Grab takeout from your favourite downtown spot, wear your blue and red, and let’s bring the noise! Quaker Foods City Square Sunday, Aug 23 @ 7:00 PM (Game 3) Thursday, Aug 27 @ 8:00 PM (Game 5) Tuesday, Sep 1 @ 8:00 PM (Game 7 - if necessary) Please note: Watch parties are outdoor events and weather-permitting. Keep an eye on our social media feeds for real-time game-day updates. Visit TheBoro.ca to find downtown dining and shopping options before faceoff!

One-Goal Win Ties MSL Finals 1-1

By Anna Taylor • August 21, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers tied the MSL Finals 1-1 on Thursday night with a 9-8 win over the Six Nations Chiefs. Dustyn Birkhof scored the game winning goal with 4:20 remaining, scooping up a missed Chiefs’ pass and blasting in a shot on transition, causing the fans at the Memorial Centre to erupt into their loudest cheer of the season. “It makes the game so much different,” Birkhof said. “To hear the fans going gives us that extra energy that we need and we love it. It really gets us going.” It was both a thrilling and somber moment for Birkhof. He pointed up as he celebrated, dedicating the goal to his late brother Steve, who passed away four years ago Thursday. Much of the Birkhof family, including Dustyn’s older brother and former Laker Broedie, were in attendance. “I said a prayer the shift before that one,” Birkhof said. “He was definitely with me for that final shot. I owe it all to him. Today was a very special day and to get that goal means a lot, not just to me but to the team as well.” Birkhof didn’t play in Game 1, but both his toughness and transition were welcomed in Game 2. It was a busy first period. Six Nations led 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 before the Lakers scored two in a row for their first lead of the series. Rob Hellyer opened the scoring with a shot from his wrong side; Taite Cattoni, in his return from injury, scored two twisters in a row before Colton Armitage before popped in a quick stick á la Cory Vitarelli on the power play. “The worst part is just watching,” Cattoni said of the nearly two months he missed. “It’s nerve-wracking and stressful so props to our fans for enduring that every time. It’s nice to be out there contributing and to get a big win here at home.” Shayne Jackson tied it 4-4 with 1:42 left, and as tensions flared multiple players from both teams ended up in the box. Right after Lyle Thompson made it 5-4, he cross checked Robert Hope in the back at the same time Brendan Bomberry cross checked him in the front. That drew a crowd and three Chiefs and two Lakers were penalized. The Lakers took another penalty shortly after and Chris Cloutier scored four-on-four for a 6-4 Six Nations lead. The Lakers came out hot in the second period and had tied the game by the 4:43 mark on a pair of goals from Braedon Saris, also returned to the lineup after missing nearly a month to injury. 

Lakers Drop Game 1 of MSL Finals

By Anna Taylor • August 19, 2026
It was a disappointing start to the 2026 MSL Finals for the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers, who fell 11-5 to the Six Nations Chiefs at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in the best-of-seven series. It was 2-0 before the game was two minutes old. “We didn’t start the game the way we wanted, but they also came out flying,” said goaltender Nick Rose, who replaced Drew Hutchison late in the first period. “And they’re a team that is three-time back-to-back champs. We just have to find a way to match that from the opening faceoff on Thursday and get back to it. We can’t be too focused on the result tonight.” Thomas Hoggarth got the Lakers on the board, but goals from Ian MacKay and Randy Staats made it 4-1 midway through the first. Rob Hellyer got one back, but the Chiefs scored twice late in the period, prompting the goaltender switch. “It’s not a good feeling to get pulled as a goalie and we just let him know that one was on us, and it was,” said rookie defender Brenden Boyle. “Be there for him with a pat on the back. And at the end of the day just show up for the next one.” Peterborough was held scoreless in the second period while the physicality ramped up. Brad McCulley was ejected for a high stick on Nonkon Thompson about four minutes in, kicking off a string of 43 penalty minutes (14 minors, one major, one game misconduct) called in the period. The Chiefs scored three times for a 9-2 lead. Peterborough’s offence found a second gear early in the third period with a three-goal run. Ryan Lanchbury kicked it off with a shorthanded marker far side, followed by Hellyer’s second of the game right up the middle. Hoggarth’s second capped the run as he tossed in a one-handed, underhand marker off of Colton Armstrong’s rebound. Ryan Smith led the Chiefs with three goals and three assists. Josh Byrne and Dhane Smith each scored twice and assisted on three others. The series switches to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game 2 on Thursday at 8 p.m. Tickets for both Game 2 and Game 4 (Tuesday, Aug. 25) are on sale now via Ticketmaster or in person/by phone at the arena box office. Of Note - Shots are not kept at the ILA - Jake Withers won 11/19 faceoffs, with Matt Gilray going 0/2. Tim Edwards won 10/21 for Six Nations. - Peterborough was 0-7 on the power play and the Chiefs were 2/5. Full Lakers Scoring Rob Hellyer 2-0 Thomas Hoggarth 2-0 Ryan Lanchbury 1-1 Brenden Boyle 0-1 Matt Gilray 0-1 Colton Armitage 0-1 Photos by Anna Taylor

MSL Finals Begin Tuesday in Six Nations, Thursday at PMC

By Anna Taylor • August 16, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers will open the 2026 MSL Finals on Tuesday, August 18 at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena against the Six Nations Chiefs. It is the sixth consecutive year the Lakers and Chiefs have played for the MSL title, and their 10th time out of the last 11 years. Peterborough hasn't missed an MSL Final since 2013. In that time, the Lakers have won five MSL titles and four Mann Cups, and the Six Nations Chiefs five MSL titles and five Mann Cups. This year, the Mann Cup will be hosted by the MSL champion, against either the Victoria Shamrocks or Coquitlam Adanacs of the Western Lacrosse Association, beginning September 11. MSL FINALS SCHEDULE Tuesday, August 18 - @ Six Nations - 8 p.m. Thursday, August 20 - @ Peterborough - 8 p.m. Sunday, August 23 - @ Six Nations - 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 - @ Peterborough - 8 p.m. *Thursday, August 27 - @ Six Nations - 8 p.m. *Sunday, August 30 - @ Peterborough - 7 p.m. *Tuesday, September 1 - @ Six Nations - 8 p.m. *if necessary Tickets for the MSL Finals at the Peterborough Memorial Centre go on sale Monday, August 17 at 10 a.m. online via Ticketmaster or by phone/in person at the Doane Grant Thornton Box Office. If you can't make it to the arena, home games will be broadcast on YourTV (Cogeco) and streamed on FloSports (subscription required). All away games are streamed on FloSports.
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