At the start of any new season, hope springs eternal. And for the Orillia Experience Nissan Kings, the city’s Jr. B lacrosse team, there is much to be hopeful about.
The club emerged from a decade-long funk two seasons ago when a new dynamic duo – general manager Rob Blasdell and head coach Jim Meredith – agreed to team up to helm the squad.
They brought immediate respectability and created a winning attitude that has translated into success. But back-to-back solid seasons have ended quickly. In 2016, the 10-9-1 Kings were ousted in three straight games in the opening round of the playoffs by Halton Hills. Last year, after compiling a 9-10-1 record, Orillia was swept again in the first round – this time by Akwesasne.
Club president Joel Campbell hopes the squad, which opens its Ontario Lacrosse Association season Saturday at home, can get back to the playoffs this summer. He knows it won’t be easy.
Thanks to the graduation of four key players, the Kings will be missing not only a relied-upon defender but three forwards who combined to amass 183 points a year ago.
“We have lost a lot of offensive strength,” conceded Campbell, noting the team will miss the scoring prowess of Matthew Campbell, David Wilkie and Tyler Conn in addition to the stalwart defence of Mitch Swailes.
In addition, Huntsville native Chris McLaughlin, who contributed 45 points last year, has decided to return to his hometown to play, while crafty Dallin Blunt is contending for a spot in Barrie’s Jr. A lineup.
“The good thing is we have a solid core of fifth-year players returning who will be counted on to fill the void,” said Campbell. “We are expecting big years from Trent Boyd, Tyler Goodchild, Teagan Meredith as well as up-and-coming players such as the King triplets (Owen, Tye and Nevin King), Michael Montgomery, who we are hoping will have a breakout season, as well as Jordan Roberts.”
He said he is also expecting solid performances from “the unsung heroes” such as Jacob Beard, Michael Greco, Matthew Clifford and Tyler Rowe on the defensive end.
While the roster is not finalized and some late signings are expected, the Kings have signed Sam Campbell and Cole Hanrahan, both of whom played Jr. C in Huntsville last year.
Perhaps the biggest question mark is goaltending. Dylan O’Rourke is the lone netminder signed. Last year, he struggled, compiling a 5-6-1 record with a goals-against-average near the bottom of the league.
“At this time, the second spot is still up for grabs,” said Campbell. “I should know by Saturday as we will be signing kids right up to game time. We have several still away at school not getting back until Friday.”
While the roster is fluid, the club’s management is rock solid.
Top have Jim and Rob back for a third season is only a bonus for us
“(Meredith) is an excellent teaching coach and the kids really seem to listen and respect him,” said Campbell. “(Blasdell) as GM is also invaluable with his contacts in lacrosse and tireless work in supporting the team in the community not only procuring players, but also helping to bring new people aboard.”
In addition, Experience Nissan is back as the club’s primary sponsor, which is vital, said Campbell, noting community support is critical to the team’s success.
Brent and Krista Kemp, principal owners of Orillia’s Experience Nissan, are happy to back the team.
“We are absolutely delighted to be the title sponsor again this year,” said Brent Kemp, who hopes “customers, fans and friends come out to their home opener” and support the team.
Campbell is hoping the Kings can start well and be competitive.
“After losing six solid players from last year, we are hoping to get into the playoffs for the third year in a row and … it would be great to make it past the first round,” he said.
The journey begins this weekend. The Kings open their season Saturday night against the Mississauga Tomahawks. Game time at Rotary Place is 7 p.m.
