Lakers Prevail Over North Stars

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 .

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

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!

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.