Peterborough Lakers Introduce Head Coach Mike Hasen As New General Manager; Former GM Paul Day Retires From Team

Peterborough Century 21 Lakers head coach Mike Hasen has been introduced as the team’s new general manager as Paul Day has stepped down from the role, retiring from the club.

Ted Higgins, Lakers President (left); Mike Rasen, Lakers GM and head coach and Len Powers, Lakers Chairman during the team’s press conference, introducing Rasen as the new GM. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made at the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame in the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday afternoon.

Hasen has served as head coach of the Lakers since being introduced in 2015. During that time, Paul Day was named general manager. The duo had won four consecutive Mann Cup championships, five Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) titles and made seven finals appearances with the Lakers during that span.

“He's been a mentor and a friend to me on so many levels to allow me to be where I am today,” explained Hasen. “I've learned a lot and Paul may not be here on a daily basis but I know I'm going to be on the phone with him a lot.”

Paul Day (left) served as the team’s general manager since 2015. He also serves as general manager and head coach of the Phildelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Hasen will be busy in his new role as the team must submit a protected players list and plan for the upcoming MSL draft at a pending date.

Last season, the Six Nations Chiefs swept the Lakers in the MSL Championship, stopping Peterborough’s quest for their ‘Drive For Five’ campaign to win five straight Mann Cup Championships.

Hasen has championship aspirations as he wants to bring another Mann Cup back to Peterborough after last year’s season being a ‘disappointment.’

“We were disappointed with the way our season ended and Six Nations is very good,” he explained. “They're the Mann Cup champs for a reason. I think it reminded us what we need to do on floor and maybe a bit off floor to get back to their level.”

The new general manager noted that changes would be made to make the Lakers a championship team and identified what needed to be done to bring Peterborough another Mann Cup title.

“Last season, we did lose a good chunk of quality and experienced players and one of the messages we were trying to leave with those guys is that 'it's your guys' turn.'“ said Hasen. “I think having that year of not relying on the Mark Mattews or Shawn Evans gives them more experience to step up. Where the season ended, it cemented where we need to improve as players, as staff and I think at the end of the day, that experience will hopefully carry us forward.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.