The Peterborough Timbermen will open the 2021-22 Arena Lacrosse League season this Saturday at 4 p.m. at Children’s Arena in Oshawa against the Whitby Steelhawks.
Peterborough, Whitby and the Oshawa Outlaws participated in a pre-season exhibition tournament this past weekend in Millbrook. The Timbermen fell in both games, losing to Oshawa 12-10 after battling back from a 7-0 deficit, and 12-11 to Whitby.
“As our timing began to click we crawled back into the games,” said head coach and general manager Joe Sullivan, who floored nearly two different teams in an effort to evaluate over 50 players who attended training camp. “Our timing was off but our compete level was high. I’m very impressed with the level of talent this season.”
This week Sullivan and assistant coaches Ray Dance and Derrick Crough are finalizing the roster.
The Timbermen are welcoming back defenseman Nick Finlay, a Jr. Lakers and Trent Excalibur grad who was recently released by the NLL’s New York Riptide. A former second-round pick, Finlay played parts of three seasons for Saskatchewan and Philadelphia from 2018-2020.
“We are very excited to bring back Nick Finlay. He brings our defense and transition to another level. His experience in the NLL will have a great impact on our team,” Sullivan said. “We are excited to have him back, but our position is to get him back into the NLL where he belongs and support his goals.”
Finlay played for the Timbermen in their inaugural 2017 season, scoring nine goals and seven assists.
Fan favourite Joel Matthews is also expected to join the Timbermen for a conditioning stint as he works his way back from the Buffalo Bandits’ PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list.
The Timbermen’s home opener is set for Saturday, January 8 at 4 p.m. at Millbrook Arena vs. the Six Nations Snipers. Tickets are only available at the door, and fans must show proof of vaccination to enter the facility. Masks must be worn while inside.
