The Peterborough Lakers clinched their spot in the MSL semi-finals with a decisive 15-6 win over the Owen Sound North Stars in Game 3 of their series. The game saw 14 different Lakers get on the scoresheet with points, led by Holden Cattoni’s 4 goals and 1 assist.
Owen Hiltz had a strong performance as well, picking up 3 goals and 2 assists, while Thomas Hoggarth notched 2 goals and 3 assists. Joe Resetarits and Turner Evans added 1 goal each, with Resetarits also grabbing 3 assists and Evans chipping in 2 assists. Austen Hasen, Colton Armstrong, Mitch Ogilvie, and Joey Cupido each found the net once.
Rob Hellyer was the lead playmaker, with 4 assists, complemented by Dylan Hutchison’s 3 assists and Jake Withers’ 2 assists. Alex Pace and Matt Gilray also contributed with 1 assist each.
Doug Buchan made 34 saves in the win as the Lakers allowed just 15 goals against during the entire series, with Buchan earning two of the wins and Landon Kells securing the other.
The game also featured a spirited fight towards the end of the game as Lakers rookie Adam Thistlethwaite squared off with Will Cecile at centre floor, with Thistlethwaite getting the takedown and the decision.
The Lakers now turn their attention to the MSL semi-finals, where they will face the Brooklin Lacrosse Club in a best-of-seven series starting Tuesday in Brooklin. Game 2 will be held in Peterborough on Thursday. In the other semi-final, the Cobourg Kodiaks will take on the Six Nations Chiefs.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)