Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers Add New Assistant Coach For 2024 Season

As the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League season approaches, the Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers have added Curtis Conley as the new defensive assistant coach announced on Tuesday.

pHOTO courtesy of Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers.

The Ottawa native played minor lacrosse with the Nepean Knights and his junior lacrosse with the Gloucester Griffins Jr. B and Toronto Beaches Jr. A teams.

He played with the Trent Excalibur as a four-time Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) Defensive Player of the Year, a four-time CUFLA All-Canadian, and a Baggataway Cup champion, the only title in school history. Last week, Conley was named Trent’s first-ever Athlete of the Year. 

Conley’s has appeared in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) with the Albany FireWolves and the New York Riptide. He is currently playing for the Whitby Steelhawks in the Arena Lacrosse League.

“Curtis brings a wealth of knowledge to our team,” said Robert Hope, Lakers head coach. “He has went through the many different levels of lacrosse from junior to pro and knows what it takes to make it to the next level. He has a passion for teaching and coaching. He understands the game and has a great energy that he will bring each day to the rink.” 

“When Coach Hope reached out to me to be a part of the Jr. A Lakers organization, I was extremely humbled and grateful,” said Conley “I am excited to pass on the knowledge that I have gained through my Junior and NLL experiences to provide our family with the best chance to succeed at the end of August. With some of the best lacrosse minds in the game on the bench, I am looking to bring whatever I can to this group to help make us successful.”

Hope agreed with Conley regarding the team’s challenges last season and shared his optimism for the future.

“Last year was a very frustrating year for our organization. Top to bottom we didn’t do enough to be successful. We learned a lot as coaches and players. We are looking to correct those mistakes that we made,” said Hope. “We have taken a lot of time to reflect on our mistakes and it is now time to change for the better.”

Conley joins assistants Turner Evans, Taylor Evans, and Jeff Ralph. The Lakers’ 2024 season will kick off on May 24 at home against the Six Nations Arrows.

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