Peterborough Lakers Win Fourth Consecutive Mann Cup In a 13-9 Game Seven Win Over Langley Thunder
/A four-peat for the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers as they won their fourth consecutive Mann Cup, defeating the Langley Thunder 13-9 in game seven at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday.
Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers.
The win gave Peterborough their 18th national title. They became the second team in the box lacrosse era to win four straight Mann Cups in a row, following the 1951-54 Peterborough Timbermen/Trailermen.
“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions this week but well worth it,” said Shawn Evans, Lakers forward. “It was an unbelievable series and topped off by winning in seven in front of our family, friends and the fans/community of Peterborough. It was a dream come true.“
Langley won the first two games of the series but the Lakers won three straight to remain in the series. Langley forced a winner-take-all game seven with a 9-4 win to keep tensions high in game six on Friday.
In the final playoff game, the Lakers led 7-5 after the first period after a huge offensive showing, despite losing Evans to an injury the night prior. Langley took a brief 9-8 lead in the second but Cory Vitarelli tied the game 9-9 with 1:14 left in the period.
Lakers Matt Vinc and the defence held the Thunder scoreless while the Lakers scored four times. Thomas Hoggarth scored the game-winning goal 2:07 into the final frame.
Curtis Dickson of the Langley Thunder was awarded the Mike Kelley Award as the Mann Cup MVP. He had 42 points in seven games, including 18 goals and 24 assists.
Holden Cattoni led the Lakers over the series with 20 goals and 23 assists for 43 points.
Lakers game leaders:
Holden Cattoni (3-6)
Cory Vitarelli (3-2)
Mark Matthews (3-2)
Joe Resetarits (2-4)
Thomas Hoggarth (2-2)
Kiel Matisz (0-3)
Turner Evans (0-2)
Austin Hasen (0-1)
Mitch Ogilvie (0-1)
Bryce Sweeting (0-1)
Matt Vinc: 35 saves
