The Peterborough Timbermen weren’t happy with their last-place finish in 2017, so set out to make improvements to their roster in 2018 – and they’ve done so in a big way.
While a good core of the inaugural roster remains intact, like key local players Dan Michel and Riley Campbell, the Timbermen were able to focus on adding double-whammy players: guys who are both talented and driven, as opposed to those who might have taken their talent for granted.
The Arena Lacrosse League is a labour of love, created by people close to the game. It’s not the NLL. Players pay to play in the ALL. So they really have to commit to the systems their coaches put in place to succeed. The ALL is built for players who still have the love of the game in their souls.
Enter Kevin Croswell and Joel Matthews.
The two have almost nothing in common, but they are both steady vets with a deep-seated love for lacrosse. They bring leadership and professionalism to the league, not to mention size. Croswell stands 6’4” and Matthews 6’3”. Even looking more imposing on the floor will help the Timbermen.
Croswell, a goaltender, was the first-overall draft pick this season. He made a triumphant return to competitive lacrosse this past summer with the Cobourg Kodiaks after taking a couple of years away from the game. He spent seven years in the NLL with Minnesota, Washington and Philadelphia. He also played for the Langley Thunder (WLA) and the Durham Turfdogs (CLax).
He also won a Mann Cup with the Peterborough Lakers in 2012, so is familiar with the winning pedigree the city expects.
“It’s always great to play lacrosse in front of Peterborough fans,” Croswell said. “I’m always excited to play at the Mem Centre.”
On the Timbermen he joins some of his Kodiaks teammates including Riley Campbell, Colton Armstrong, Doug Utting and Cole McWilliams.
“I really want to play again and get myself ready for summer lacrosse,” he said. “The ALL is great for young players wanting to crack the NLL and those who want to stay in game condition.”
Matthews, a forward, is a four-year NLL veteran who was recently cut from the Rochester Knighthawks and will do anything to get back to the NLL.
He scored back-to-back 100 point seasons in Jr. A but wasn’t able to find the same scoring touch in the pros, and even transitioned to a defensive role to get more floor time.
He’s obviously disappointed he’s not in the NLL this season, especially after helping the Lakers win a Mann Cup this past summer, but wants to work as hard as he can to be prepared for expansion next season.
“The ALL is a great idea and tool,” Matthews praised. “I’m very fortunate that I have an opportunity to showcase what I bring to the table. It allows a player to stay in game shape while keeping a stick in their hand.”
Matthews is prepared to give 110% every game. Everyone wants to win, but not everybody wants to put in the work that it takes to win, and that’s what Matthews can bring to the Timbermen.
He already showed his skills and work ethic in the season opener last week, scoring four goals including the game winner. Head coach Joe Sullivan said Matthews put the team on his back when they were down.
“Positivity is one of that components I bring to my game. I love bringing lots of energy and grit,” said Matthews. “With Croswell being a pillar in goal and with a very good offence I think the Timbermen are going to do very well.”
Both Croswell and Matthews will be in the lineup this weekend, although Croswell can only make Saturday’s game. Matthews has a nearly a three-hour commute from St. Catharines, but says he wants to play every game if possible.
“I chose to play with the Timbermen because I love the city of Peterborough,” he said. “I want the team to have a better season that last year and I’m really excited with Joe Sullivan’s charisma and energy.”
Croswell wants to use his experience to be a leader for the Timbermen.
“Just being around a lot of great lacrosse players and coaches have taught me what it takes to win games, so hopefully I’m able to bring this to the young players on the team,” he said.
The Timbermen play two games at the Memorial Centre on Saturday and Sunday night at 7 p.m. Their remaining five home games will be played at Children’s Arena in Oshawa.
Prior to Saturday’s game, the Timbermen are hosting a free skills clinic for kids ages 6-17, of all experience levels. Kids are asked to bring their own helmet, stick and gloves.
