Emotional Win for Lakers Over Brooklin

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers record fell to 2-3 on Thursday after a 12-10 loss to the Brooklin Lacrosse Club at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. It’s the Lakers’ second consecutive loss after a 9-6 defeat at Oakville on Monday. Brooklin has taken strides to improve their lineup after four consecutive seasons of falling to the Lakers in the MSL semifinals. They had a balanced attack and strong goaltending from Steve Orleman. “They were a problem for us tonight,” said goaltender Nick Rose, who made his first start of the season. “But we feel like we didn’t play at our best. We get them again next week, so we’ll see. We have to come ready to play against anyway.” Indeed, the Lakers face Brooklin next Wednesday at Iroquois Park Sports Centre, and then will face them once again at the PMC on June 25 for the rubber match. Rose made 36 saves in his first start since winning the NLL Cup with the Toronto Rock last month. It was a rough outing on Thursday with the teams going back and forth, neither finding much momentum. “I wasn’t great when it mattered,” Rose said. “I think I had some good moments in the game but especially in the third period I wasn’t on top of my game and that may have been a big difference. Getting back into summer ball is a bit different than the winter game but that’s no excuse; I just have to be better.” Rose recognized that “there’s a standard here in Peterborough and that’s why [he] wanted to come here last year. “A lot of respect for what has been built here. Where we’re at right now isn’t good enough for that standard but as long as we keep building and get to that standard come playoff time then I like where we’re at.” Rob Hellyer, who had four goals in the game, agreed. “We gave away a couple. But it’s game five and there are 18 games in a year so we can turn this around in a hurry.” Hellyer, who leads the team in scoring with 23 points in four games, said in addition to cleaning up small mistakes, one key to a better performance is to stop their opponents in transition. Each possession change saw Brooklin push the ball up the floor extremely fast. “They run,” Hellyer acknowledged. “Every team that we’ve lost to has been running. Nations is good, but the other two teams just constantly run. We have to figure out how to do better, conditioning wise, and just stop those fast breaks because I think they wore us down.” Brooklin led 3-2 after the opening frame. Dylan Hutchison’s second of the season in transition kicked off the Lakers’ scoring, with Brad McCulley hitting the back of the net early in his season debut after serving a four-game suspension from last season’s playoffs. Hellyer scored a pair to start the second, with Taggart Clark and Jakson Raposo responding for Brooklin. McCulley traded goals with Landen Sinfield towards the end of the period which kept BLC up by a goal. Eleven goals were scored throughout the first 40 minutes – and 11 more were scored in a wild third period. The game was tied at sixes and eights before Connor Kearnan and Will MacLeod scored back-to-back for a 10-8 lead. Cam Milligan’s second of the season got one back but Brooklin scored two of the last three to maintain the lead. Junior Returns The Lakers honoured John Grant Jr. prior to the game in advance of his Saturday induction into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame. One of the best lacrosse players to ever suit up, Grant currently coaches the NCAA DII Lees-McRae men’s lacrosse team in Banner Elk, NC. He made the 15 hour drive several days ago and spent the week watching lacrosse in Peterborough, Whitby and St. Catharines. Of Note - Jake Withers won 15/25 faceoffs - Each team went 1/2 on the power play with the Lakers adding one shorthanded goal - The Lakers outshot Brooklin 50-48 - Holden Cattoni and Adam Jay were added to the IR - The Lakers do not have another home game until Thursday, June 25 when Brooklin returns. In the meantime, the Lakers are on the road to Whitby (Brooklin) on Wednesday, June 10, and will visit Brampton on Thursday, June 18 - Over 900 hotdogs were sold during the team’s first Toonie Dog night! Full Lakers Scoring Rob Hellyer 4-2 Justin Sykes 2-3 Brad McCulley 2-2 Dylan Hutchison 1-0 Cam Milligan 1-0 Taite Cattoni 0-2 Brenden Boyle 0-1 Robert Hope 0-1 Robbie White 0-1 Jake Withers 0-1 Mike Robinson 0-1  PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE LIU

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

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

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

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

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 .

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!

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 .