SIX NATIONS — The Arrows have come through with a largely new roster this season. After their exhibition loss to the Toronto Beaches on Sunday, May 12, the Arrows ventured to Northmen territory in Orangeville to play their first regular season match on Friday, May 17.
The first period allowed no Arrows goals while the Northmen racked up four including a power play bury.
Making adjustments during break time however, allowed new Arrows Captain Ron John to score a minute into the second period from Tyler Davis. John then scored his second from veteran Liam LeClair after an answer from the Northmen. The Northmen scored again deeper into the period and this was answered by a shorthanded goal by Wake:riat Bowhunter from Travis Longboat.
This brought the third, where again the Northmen racked up unanswered goals. Five goals went to the Arrows opponents, but Travis Longboat was able to close the period with a goal from Hadowas Smith.
This finalized the game 11-4.
Entering their home-opener this Friday however, found the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena packed with home support.
The Arrows welcomed the St. Catharines Athletics, where the footing seemed more equal but the Arrows were missing out on scoring power and defensive experience.
However, with the first period being their best, the Arrows first goal of the game went to Jeremy Bomberry from Sam Gowland. The Athletics returned it, but Marshall Powless earned a power play bury minutes later. A penalty on the Arrows allowed a power play goal for the Athletics and another bury, but Oliver Bolsterli put in an effort for an unassisted bury in response.
This opened the second period 3-3, but the Arrows provided a full twenty minutes without a goal as they were unable to connect with one another. This gave the Athletics a four point lead by the end.
Coming into the third gave the Arrows an opportunity to eat at the lead. Changes were made on the floor that produced two more goals, as Arrows coaches gave more instruction on the Arrows defensive side. Regaining possession by fighting fervently for it in the corners allowed for a couple of quick transitional shots on offence.
This gave Liam Leclair his first from Oliver Bolsterli, while Travis Longboat buried from Marshall Powless.
This finalized the game 9-5 for the Athletics, but served as a light of improvement for the Arrows from their previous early season matches.
As the team is full of newer athletes to ‘A’, their steps into the division through their first games will hopefully set up the ground work for the makings of another string of strong players to come out of lacrosse on Six Nations.
Their next home game will take place on Sunday May 26 at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena against the Brampton Excelsiors.
