OHSWEKEN, ON – The Peterborough Timbermen remain winless at 0-5 in the Arena Lacrosse League play after an 11-8 loss to the Six Nations Snipers at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena on Saturday.
The Timbermen put forth their best first-half effort of the season, going into the third quarter with a 5-5 tie. In fact, they led the game 2-0 at one point.
The stalemate continued into the fourth quarter when the Snipers broke the tie with a five goal run.
“We made inexperienced mistakes that should not happen at this level that put the ball in Six Nations sticks at inopportune times,” said head coach Joe Sullivan. “Our D played strong and aggressive but our offense fell short five on five only mustering three goals in the entire second half of the game. I’m very disappointed with the tempo we didn’t create late in the game.”
Ryan Masters and Nolan Clayton split time in the Timbermen goal, combining for 29 saves.
Newly signed Caleb Wiles and Matt Benedict each had a goal for the Timbermen. Benedict, a defenseman who plays Sr. A for the Nanaimo Timbermen (BC), is currently training in Ottawa and was recently added to the roster.
Ian Crawford, expected to make his debut on defense, was waylaid by the weather in his area.
“We have not had our full roster to date and have played with five different rosters each game this season eliminating the opportunity to create some flow and continuity,” Sullivan said.
That said, five games in Sullivan has had the opportunity to observe all his players and will be able to make critical decisions going forward.
He had been adamant from the beginning of the season that the Timbermen are dedicated to developing local talent for the NLL. However, the 0-5 record means it’s time to re-think that. Peterborough lacrosse teams are used to a winning tradition.
“From here on out our commitment to winning will supersede our need to develop,” Sullivan stated after the game. “All players have had the opportunity to prove themselves and many have done so in a very positive light. Those who have not will find themselves on the sidelines going forward.”
Also not dressed Saturday for the Timbermen were Broedie Birkhof, Matt Crough, Ryley Martinell, Cole McWilliams, Cole Murray, Pete Rennie, Curtis Singleton, Travis Szabolcs, Zack Thompson and Josh Wasson. Crough and Wasson are battling minor injuries while Rennie had work commitments.
Haodais Maracle led the Snipers with a hat trick while Torrey VanEvery had a goal and four assists. Warren Hill made 36 saves.
The Timbermen have one more weekend away before returning home to the Memorial Centre on February 26. Next week they visit the Paris River Wolves Saturday evening at the Syl Apps Community Centre before hosting the Toronto Monarchs in Oshawa at the Tribute Communities Centre on Sunday at 4:00pm. Tickets for the February 26 game are on sale now at the PMC box office.
Scoring for the Timbermen were:
Tim Bergin (2-1)
Nick Finlay (2-0)
Caleb Wiles (1-1)
Doug Utting (1-0)
Eric Shewell (1-0)
Matt Benedict (1-0)
Cody McMahon (0-2)
Joe Wasson (0-2)
