CATHARINES — The Canadian Lacrosse League (CLax) announced its First and Second All-Star Teams this week with Niagara and Southwest leading the way in representation with both having three players making the cut
First Team All-Stars:
Corey Fowler—Niagara Lock Monsters
Fowler had a massive year for the Niagara Lock Monsters, leading the team in points with 45 and leading the league with 29 assists in 10 games. The crafty forward was a huge part of the Lock Monsters offence this season, earning him the 2016 CLax Most Outstanding Player and Top Offensive Player Awards.
Tom Montour—Ohsweken Demons
The Ohsweken captain was an important presence for the Demons this year, finishing with 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) in 10 games. Montour is one of CLax’s most prominent two-way forwards and was a finalist for the 2016 Top Transition Player Award.
Dan Keane—Southwest Cyclops
The Southwest Cyclops may not have had the season they hoped for in 2016 but there were plenty of bright spots and one of those was Dan Keane. The Elora native was an important cog in the Cyclops system, leading the team in scoring with 43 points (20 goals, 23 assists) in 10 games and finishing second in league scoring. His season was reflected in nominations for the 2016 MVP and Most Outstanding Player Awards.
Mitch Dumont—Niagara Lock Monsters
The Lock Monsters were defensive dynamos in 2016 and Mitch Dumont was a huge contributing factor. The Niagara captain was the model shutdown defensemen, limiting the opposition’s chances and protecting his side of the turf. Dumont also chipped in offensively, netting 16 points (3 goals, 13 assists) in 11 games; it’s no wonder the Welland, Ont. native took home the 2016 Top Defensive Player Award earlier this month.
Thomas Hoggarth—Durham Turfdogs
The Durham Turfdogs boasted an embarrassment of riches in 2016 which is why they took home the 2016 Creator’s Cup trophy. Thomas Hoggarth was a huge part of the Turfdogs’ successful season, finishing third on team scoring with 33 points (22 goals, 11 assists) and landing in the top 10 in league scoring. Hoggarth is a great two-way forward, taking home the 2016 Top Transition Player Award.
Preece—Niagara Lock Monsters
Niagara goaltender J. Preece was Mr. Everything for the Lock Monsters this year, collecting six wins, two losses and finishing with a league-leading .819 SV% and 8.36 GAA. Preece gave his team a chance to win every game he played in and rarely made mistakes in net. It’s no surprise the six foot three inch tall stopper took home CLax’s MVP and Top Goaltender honours.
Second Team All-Stars:
Dylan Goddard—Durham Turfdogs
The 2016 CLax MVP Finalist was the straw that stirred the Turfdogs’ drink this past season, leading the team with 52 points (27 goals, 25 assists) in 12 games; numbers that were good enough for the league lead in total points. Goddard was a huge contributing factor to Durham’s playoff success, collecting 11 points in two games and earning the Creator’s Cup MVP.
Vaughn Harris—Ohsweken Demons
Players like Vaughn Harris don’t come around very often. The 23-year-old rookie suited up for all 12 Demons games this season and led the team in scoring with 45 points. Harris also finished third in playoff scoring with nine points and his five goals in two games landed him at the top of the postseason goals list. Harris’ remarkable season was capped off with the 2016 Rookie of the Year Award.
Shane Scott—Barrie Blizzard
Scott had a successful 2016 CLax season, finishing with 40 points (25 goals, 15 assists) in 11 games, good enough for second in team scoring. The six foot tall Brampton native was a catalyst for the Blizzard offence and was a finalist for the 2016 Top Offensive Player Award.
Jake Crans—Southwest Cyclops
When it comes to defensemen, not hearing much about them during a game usually means they’re doing all the right things and that definitely applies to Jake Crans. The dependable Cyclops d-man may have only put up a modest four points in 2016 but he was a stud on the backend and made life miserable for the opposition. Crans was a finalist for the 2016 Top Defensive Player Award.
Matt Spanger—Southwest Cyclops
Much like his teammate, Jake Crans, Matt Spanger is a force on Southwest’s defence corps. He uses all of his six foot four inch frame to lean on opposing players and limit their time and space. Spanger is also capable of contributing offensively as he put up nine points in nine games and was a finalist for the 2016 Top Transition Player Award.
Angus Dineley—Barrie Blizzard
Dineley had a strong 2016 campaign, especially in the second half. Dineley finished the season with four wins and four losses and was stellar most nights in net for the Blizzard. The six foot one inch tall netminder was a finalist for the 2016 Top Goaltender Award.
