Lakers Defence Ready to Go

Lakers Defence Ready to Go

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 10th 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 21st 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.



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
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!
April 22, 2026
The Century 21 Peterborough Lakers and Lansdowne Place are proud to announce a new partnership for the 2026 season, celebrating a shared commitment to supporting local sport and the vibrant lacrosse culture in Peterborough. Lansdowne Place has a long history of backing community athletics and is thrilled to continue that legacy by supporting lacrosse in Peterborough. Notably, 40 years ago, Lansdowne Place was a proud sponsor of the Peterborough Maulers Junior A Lacrosse Team. In honour of the Maulers’ 40th anniversary, Lansdowne Place will sponsor a special Retro Game Night on July 23, featuring retro Maulers jerseys, a soundtrack of iconic 80s and 90s tunes, and more surprises to be announced. “We are excited about bringing a small piece of Peterborough lacrosse history alive,” says Jessica Khouri, Marketing Manager at Lansdowne Place. “Lansdowne Place is thrilled about this new partnership with the Lakers and we look forward to cheering them on this season.” “We are looking forward to working with Lansdowne Place to create memorable experiences for our fans while celebrating the history of the game in our community,” says Pete Dalliday, Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships for the Century 21 Peterborough Lakers. “This partnership is a great fit and we’re excited to kick it off.” The partnership officially launched on April 21 at Lansdowne Place with the arrival of a larger-than-life Lakers-branded Kawartha Chair created by Taylors Recycled Plastics. Community members are invited to visit the mall over the next month, take photos with the display, and share them on social media. More details about the Lakers Retro Game Night, sponsored by Lansdowne Place, will be announced soon.
April 10, 2026
Cogeco’s yourTV and the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are proud to announce the renewal of their long-standing broadcast partnership, ensuring fans across the region won’t miss a second of the action for the 2026 Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season. Every home game will be broadcast live from the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) in stunning high definition on Cogeco channels 10 and 700. "Our partnership with the Lakers is more than just a broadcast agreement; it’s a shared commitment to the community," said David Feeley, Manager of Programming and Community Relations at YourTV. "In 2026, we believe that truly local television is the key to providing a top-quality product to the fans. By keeping the production local, we capture the nuances, the history, and the passion of the Lakers in a way that national networks simply cannot." Lakers Board Chair, Len Powers, echoed the sentiment: "The relationship between the Lakers and yourTV is a strong one. Having a partner like Cogeco and yourTV allows us to extend the atmosphere of the Memorial Centre to those who can’t be in the stands. Their professional, local-first approach ensures our fans receive the high-calibre coverage this historic franchise deserves." yourTV is also thrilled to announce that the voices of summer in Peterborough are back. Pete Dalliday and Scott Arnold will return to the booth as the primary on-air team. With decades of combined experience and an encyclopedic knowledge of the game, Dalliday’s play-by-play and Arnold’s expert analysis remain the gold standard for lacrosse broadcasting. Season Coverage Details The 2026 broadcast schedule kicks off with the Lakers’ home opener at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on May 21. Fans can also look forward to: Live Game Coverage: Every regular season home game. Extended Playoff Coverage: Exclusive access as the Lakers hunt for championship glory. Lakers Insider Segments: Behind-the-scenes interviews and player profiles throughout the season. Lakers fans are encouraged to check their local YourTV listings or visit yourtv.tv/peterborough for the full broadcast schedule. For more on the season, check out this video .
April 8, 2026
Agreement Marks First Box Lacrosse Offering on FloSports, Bringing One of the Sport’s Most Historic Leagues to a Global Audience 
April 6, 2026
Since 2004, Alf Curtis Home Improvements has proudly stood behind the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers — and what a journey it’s been. That first year of partnership couldn’t have been more fitting. In 2004, the Lakers ended a 20-year drought by capturing the legendary Mann Cup , reigniting a championship tradition in Peterborough. Over the past 21 years, Alf Curtis Home Improvements hasn’t just been a sponsor — they’ve been part of the Lakers family. “When you think about the modern era of Lakers lacrosse, Alf Curtis has been there from the very beginning,” said Pete Dalliday with the Lakers. “Their support helped lay the foundation for everything this organization has become.” Through packed nights at the Memorial Centre and deep playoff runs, their support has helped fuel one of the most successful eras in franchise history, including multiple Mann Cup championships. This season carries added meaning. Founder Alf Curtis passed away last fall, not long after the Lakers season came to a close. His legacy, generosity and passion for the community will not be forgotten. His wife, June Curtis , continues to be part of that legacy, with the Curtis family’s connection to the team as strong as ever. "Alf wasn’t just a sponsor — he truly cared about this team and this community,” added Dalliday. Recently, members of the Lakers family stopped by the Alf Curtis Home Improvements flagship store in Peterborough — a reflection of the strong bond between team and partner. Holden Lowes , who is hoping to return to the lineup this season after suffering a season-ending injury in training camp last year, was joined by board member Bill Joiner , along with Brent Perry and Chase Curtis , grandchildren of Alf and June. “It was great to be back in the store and see that connection is still so strong,” said Dalliday. “That’s what makes partnerships like this so special — it’s real, it’s lasting, and it means something.” Great teams are built on talent, dedication, and community support. For more than two decades, Alf Curtis Home Improvements has delivered all three. Here’s to 21 years of partnership — and honouring a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.
By Anna Taylor March 5, 2026
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have revealed their 2026 Major Series Lacrosse schedule, including their highly anticipated home opener, set for Thursday, May 21 st versus the defending Mann Cup champion Six Nations Chiefs. The season features 18 games across nine home and nine away games. The Lakers will face each of the other six teams in the MSL three times. Additionally, the league has announced that the first round of the playoffs will be a best-of-five series, while the MSL Final will remain a best of seven. All home games take place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. at the Memorial Centre. Brooklin, Cobourg, and Owen Sound will visit the PMC twice each, with single visits from Six Nations, Brampton and Oakville. The season will feature the return of several fan favourite events like Country Night and PRHC Night, and another limited-edition Canada Day jersey. “Our players love performing in front of this community,” said Pete Dalliday, Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. “When the building is full and loud, it’s a special place to play. We’re ready to give the fans something to cheer about all summer. We want every night at the PMC to feel like an event. We’ve got some fun surprises and some new exciting theme nights coming, and we can’t wait to share them with our fans.” 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 Season tickets are currently on sale at the Memorial Centre for new and returning subscribers. Visit am.ticketmaster.com/peterboroughlakers/ to secure your seats for a thrilling season of lacrosse! Away Game Schedule: ● Saturday, May 30 – 4:00 PM at Owen Sound North Stars ● Monday, June 1 – 7:30 PM at Oakville Rock ● Wednesday, June 10 – 8:00 PM at Brooklin LC ● Thursday, June 18 – 8:00 PM at Brampton Excelsiors ● Sunday, June 21 – 6:00 PM at Cobourg Kodiaks ● Monday, June 29 – 7:30 PM at Oakville Rock ● Tuesday, July 7 – 8:00 PM at Six Nations Chiefs ● Friday, July 24 – 8:00 PM at Brampton Excelsiors ● Tuesday, July 28 – 8:00 PM at Six Nations Chiefs Keep watching the Lakers’ official website and social media platforms for more season news!
By Anna Taylor December 8, 2025
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are thrilled to announce that season tickets for the 2026 Major Series Lacrosse season will go on sale Wednesday, December 10 at 1:00 p.m. New for this season, fans can take advantage of an exclusive Early Bird Discount—a $10 savings on all season tickets, available until January 30th. This limited-time offer gives Lakers supporters the chance to lock in the best value before another exciting season begins. The 2026 campaign features the return of a full 18-game MSL schedule, with the Lakers set to host nine home games at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The home opener is scheduled for Thursday, May 21st, marking the start of another thrilling summer of Lakers lacrosse. Current and new season ticket holders can now purchase their tickets online. Returning Season Ticket Members: Visit am.ticketmaster.com/peterboroughlakers/ Sign-in using the email associated with your PMC account (may be asked to reset password) Click Pay Invoice Pay invoice to receive early-bird season pricing and secure your season seats New Ticket Members: Visit am.ticketmaster.com/peterboroughlakers/ Sign-in using the email associated with your PMC account (may be asked to reset password) Click Buy Tickets Select Season Seats Pay to receive early-bird season pricing and secure your season seats Contact the Peterborough Memorial Centre Box office for assistance. 2026 Season Ticket Pricing ( Final Total (Tax and Fees included)) BOWL Adult $179.10 Senior $152.10 Student $134.30 Child $74.85 CLUB SECTION Adult $224.80 Senior $197.90 Student $180.10 Child $120.60 “We’re really excited to kick off season ticket sales for 2026,” said Lakers Board Member Len Powers. “Our fans are the backbone of this franchise, and with nine home games and a May 21st home opener, it’s shaping up to be another incredible season. The Early Bird pricing is a great way for fans to get locked in early and be part of the energy inside the Memorial Centre.”
By Anna Taylor October 21, 2025
On September 6, four members of the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers were drafted into the National Lacrosse League. Braedon Saris, Ben Trumble, Adam Thistlethwaite and Owen Hiltz all heard their name called during the six-round draft, held virtually with the first round broadcasted on NLL+. Hiltz led the pack with his third overall selection to the Toronto Rock. The Colorado Mammoth drafted Saris at number five, the Georgia Swarm took Trumble at number seven, and Thistlethwaite went in the second round at 24 th overall to the Rochester Knighthawks. Saris was acquired from Cobourg this summer and made a huge impact on the offense, showing a knack for scoring power play goals. “Braedon just got better and better every time he stepped on the floor and I think he looked more confident every time he stepped on the floor with us,” said Lakers head coach Mike Hasen. “When he came in here this year he might have been a little bit in awe of the group he was playing with, but he took over and led us through that playoff stretch, doing great things.” Trumble and Thistlethwaite, both young defenders with the ability to play up front when needed, are graduates of the Jr. A Lakers program. Trumble joins Carter Page and former Laker Jordan MacIntosh on the Swarm, and Thistlethwaite will continue to play for Mike Hasen, who coaches the Knighthawks on a team that features Mitch Ogilvie, Matt Gilray, Turner Evans, Austin Hasen and Brad McCulley. “I’m just glad to be picked. I’m really excited for this opportunity; I think it’ll be a good one,” said Trumble. “I’m starting to reach out to the guys on the [Swarm]. I can’t wait to get going.” Said Hasen on Trumble, "Benny is going to be a special player. He has a lot of tools in the toolbox. Big body, very athletic, very strong and very smart." And on Thistlethwaite: "T is a bit of a unicorn. He’s so athletic and if you give him a task he’ll make sure he gets it done. There’s not too many guys that can handle Dhane and we threw T-Waite at Dhane, specially the last two games, hat was his lone goal was to make sure that Dhane was denied as much as possible and he did a great job with that." Hiltz spent the 2025 season with the PLL’s Carolina Chaos instead of playing box lacrosse in the MSL, but in his rookie season with the Lakers in 2024 he scored 57 points in 24 games. Two current Jr. A Lakers were also drafted, with OJLL Goalie of the Year Waukiigan Shognosh taken 14 th overall by the Buffalo Bandits, and forward Curtis Ward was picked in the fifth round, 62 nd overall by the Las Vegas Desert Dogs. Former Lakers Payton Tasse (5th round, Halifax) and Cole Begley (4th round, Ottawa) were also drafted. NLL Faceoff Weekend is scheduled for November 28 th & 29 th .
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