It may not be 2018 just yet but the Peterborough Timbermen of the Arena Lacrosse League started the year off with a bang with a 15-12 win over the Paris RiverWolves on Saturday night at Syl Apps Community Centre.
Joel Matthews led the attack with six points, tying the game at 12 at the 9:42 mark of the fourth quarter with his second goal of the game. He scored the game winner less than two minutes later, 10 seconds before Shane Francis put the Timbermen up by two. Matthews’ fourth goal of the night capped the game at 13:09.
Former Peterborough Jr. Lakers captain and Trent Excalibur standout Dan Michel also had four goals in the game including the season opening goal at 3:37 of the first quarter.
Newcomers Joe Hall and Nick Karam each scored twice and added four assists.
After Michel’s opening goal, the RiverWolves rattled off six goals in a row before the Timbermen scored seven of their own to lead 8-6 in the third. The RiverWolves fought back to lead 12-11 at the 7:48 mark of the final quarter.
“It was 6-1 and then we battled back. We tied it up and played back-and-forth. All-in-all it was a great game,” said head coach Joe Sullivan. “Joe Hall played fantastically on offense and so did Joel Matthews, who was the difference-maker. He picked us up numerous times and put us on his back.”
Matthews was arguably the Timbermen’s biggest acquisition this season. He wore an A in his first ALL game and said he had a lot of fun.
“We were getting to know one another but everyone did their job and played their role,” he said. “We played loose and positive the whole game. I thought our coaching staff did a great job of never panicking and adjusting our game plan. I’m excited with what I saw tonight and I’m fired up for the rest of the season.”
With a record of 3-11 last year, staying positive and not giving in to panic was something the Timbermen struggled with. An overhauled roster and a season opening come-from-behind win will go a long way to boost morale early.
Michel wore the other A while Peterborough native Riley Campbell acted as captain.
Goaltender Ryan Masters made 64 saves for the win.
Dan Keane had three goals and two assists for the RiverWolves. Brett Ulbikas and Spencer Pyke had two and one while Drake Smith scored once and added and four helpers. Former Timbermen goaltender Nolan Clayton suffered the loss in goal.
The Timbermen now prepare for their home opener on Saturday, January 6th at the Memorial Centre versus the Oshawa Outlaws at 7 p.m. They will also play Sunday night at 7 p.m. against the Whitby Steelhawks. Both Oshawa and Whitby feature several Peterborough natives or Trent products.
More information on minor lacrosse clinics to be held prior to each game will be released early next week.
Tickets for the two games are now on sale at the Memorial Centre box office. The Timbermen’s remaining five home games will be played at Children’s Arena in Oshawa. Season tickets, at a cost of $50 for the full season, including the Memorial Centre games, can be purchased online at http://www.arenalacrosseleague.com.
Scoring for the Timbermen:
Joel Matthews (4-2)
Dan Michel (4-0)
Joe Hall (2-4)
Nick Karam (2-4)
Shane Francis (2-0)
Greg Reilly (1-0)
Mark Vradenburg (0-4)
Fred Hartley (0-2)
Mike MacDonald (0-1)
Riley Campbell (0-1)
Tyler Lafonte (0-1)
