The Six Nations Chiefs (4-0) traveled to Peterborough hoping to sweep their MSL final against the Peterborough Lakers (0-4) and win the 2023 Major Series Lacrosse championship. The Lakers, though in an unfamiliar position, would have something to say about that. The Memorial Centre in Peterborough was packed with 3,126 fans trying to be the seventh man for the Lakers.
In game three, the Lakers had a good overall game plan. However, an over powering third period by the Chiefs changed the complexion of the game.
The goalie match-up had Warren Hill in net for Six Nations facing Landon Kells in net for the Lakers.
Another fast start from the Chiefs had the Lakers reeling early. A pair of goals from Lyle Thompson and Austin Staats staked Six Nations to an early 4-0 lead. A 4-0 second period had the Chiefs up 8-1 and in total control of the game. The Lakers mounted a comeback in the third period, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the huge deficit.
Six Nations wins game four 10-5, sweeping the best of seven Major Series Lacrosse final 4-0.
The Chiefs now wait to see who they will face in the Mann Cup. The New Westminster Salmonbellies and the Langley Thunder are tied 2-2 in their best of seven series out west.
To The Game:
The Six Nations Chiefs got on the board with two from Lyle Thompson. First, a shot from in close off a Randy Staats feed at 2:14, followed again by a Brendan Bomberry pass at 2:34. Austin Staats added a power-play goal off a Shayne Jackson pass at 5:39, followed by an even strength goal off a Brendan Bomberry feed at 9:46.
Landon Kells was replaced in the Peterborough net by Drew Hutchison.
Peterborough finally got on the board when Kiel Matisz converted a Holden Cattoni pass at 11:47.
Landon Kells went back in the Lakers net.
After one period, Six Nations 4 Peterborough 1.
Second Period:
The Chiefs got on the board first when Randy Staats fired a laser unassisted at 1:39, followed by a power-play marker from Shayne Jackson off a an Adam Bomberry pass at 3:41.
Bryan Cole added to the Chiefs total converting a Ben McIntosh feed at 6:02, followed by Austin Staats scoring from in close off a Randy Staats pass at 12:34.
After two periods, Six Nations 8 Peterborough 1.
Third Period:
The Lakers opened the third period scoring when Matt Gilray scored off an Eli McLaughlin pass shorthanded at 1:58, but was answered by Eric Fannell finishing off an Austin Staats pass at 5:39.
Josh Currier fired a laser that beat Warren Hill to the top corner off a Turner Evans feed at 8:18. Things got rough after the goal with Taite Cattoni and Bryan Cole in a tussle, with Tyler Biles getting 2 minutes for roughing as well.
On the ensuing power-play the Lakers got a little closer when Holden Cattoni converted an Eli McLaughlin feed at 9:28, followed by Austin Hasen finishing a Kiel Matisz pass at 11:06, to narrow the Chiefs lead to four goals. Tim Edwards answered for Six Nations converting a Jeremy Thompson feed at 16:44.
Final score, Six Nations 10 Peterborough 5.
1. Austin Staats
2. Warren Hill
3. Randy Staats
Game Stats:
- Shots on goal were in favor of Peterborough 57-47.
- Faceoffs were won by Peterborough 11-6
- Both teams went 1 for 8 on the power-play, with both teams also scoring a shorthanded goal.
Top Scorers:
Six Nations Chiefs:
- Austin Staats 3g, 1a
- Randy Staats 1g, 3a
- Lyle Thompson 2g, 1a.
Peterborough Lakers:
- Kiel Matisz 1g, 1a
- Holden Cattoni 1g, 1a
- Eli McLaughlin 0g, 2a
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Gary Groob has been involved with Lacrosse for the majority of his life, whether playing, coaching, or covering the sport for the media.
An avid fan, with a real drive about helping to “grow the game”, Gary became part of podcasts about the game in 2010. Through the podcasts, Mr. Groob was given an opportunity to write about lacrosse, and the rest as they say, is history.
Through many miles (flying and driving) Gary has made inroads with the National Lacrosse League, Major Series Lacrosse League, the Ontario Lacrosse Association, as well as the Arena Lacrosse League, covering the leagues, their teams, and players, working for, and in concert with all of them.
In the year 2020, Mr. Groob was made the media person for the Arena Lacrosse League, voted onto the board of directors of the Brampton Excelsiors Lacrosse Club, as well as being made administrator of the Lacrosse page “Global Lacrosse” with a membership of 9000 members in over 90 Countries. Gary was also made an administrator of Lacrosse History Past Present and Future in 2022.
Mr. Groob co-hosts a weekly Lacrosse show on Spanglish Sports World, and ZingoTV channel 250, as well as writes a weekly lacrosse column for La Portada Canada News (both in print, and online).
Gary also hosts a Lacrosse talk show and podcast for The Edge of Philly Sports Network, seen live Sunday nights at 9pm (ET), and archived on the Edge of Philly YouTube page, as well as Spotify.
Mr. Groob’s other sports interests include Hockey, Football, Boxing, Wrestling, and Baseball, competing competitively in Boxing and Wrestling for many years.
