The Mister Transmission Orillia Jr. B Kings earned a split with the Oshawa Green Gaels in Ontario Jr. B Lacrosse action this week.
The Kings continue to tweak their offence and finally found their groove in Wednesday’s rematch.
In game one on Saturday, the Kings were outscored 14-6, although that score really doesn’t tell the tale. The Kings got off to a slow start, losing the first period 5-2 while allowing three power-play goals to the Gaels. The game was a back and forth battle, however the Gaels managed to put the ball in the net while the Kings struggled.
Sam and Gabe Neely each found the back of the net twice for the Kings while captain Noah Quarrington potted a penalty shot and call up Damon Buttis, on loan from the Huntsville Jr. C team, scored his first Jr. B goal. Colsen Maracle picked up three assists while Jack Marwick and Alex May each had a pair. Carson Thayer and Quarrington each had single assists on the night. Ty Ross was the Dapper Depot player of the game.
The back end of the double header told a very different tale.
Coach Jim Meredith tweaked his power play and changed tactics in transition to jump-start the offence.
In typical Kings fashion the Gaels found themselves heading into the dressing room after the first period with a 5-2 lead. The power play started to click, the offence found a rhythm and the Kings outscored the Gaels 4-1 in the second period and 5-2 in the third to complete the exciting comeback and secure the 11-8 triumph.
Gabe Neely found the back of the net six times and picked up a pair of assists while brother Sam netted two more for the victors. Aidan Colebrook, Quarrington and Maracle each picked up singles. Marwick had three assists and Brycen Murry and Riley Thayer each had a pair. Single assists went to Jesse Ashkewe, Trent Tibbett, Sam Neely and goalie Quinton Greenfield. Gabe Neely was the Dapper Depot player of the game.
"We are a much more balanced team, but still quite young," said Kings coach Jim Meredith.
"We have lost a few close games to teams we should have beat, but beat two teams that are above us in the standings. With just two games left we have a chance to be around .500 at the end of the season," said Meredith.
"We have been able to compete much more effectively with some of the better teams in the league which is a good indicator that we are going forward," he added.
Coach Kory Shritliff credited Meredith for the tweaks he made between games.
"Coach Jim changed up the transition game so we can push the ball up the floor faster. It seemed to be the reason for success on Wednesday night. The boys are looking good heading into the playoffs," said Shritliff.
Kings Notes: The Kings host West Durham on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Rotary Place — not their usual 8 p.m. start time. The after party will be at St. Louis Bar and Grill.
"We’d love to have some Kings fans join the team after their final home game to celebrate the season," said team official Dave Marwick.
The Kings will be available for autographs for any young lacrosse fans that join them at St. Louis.
"Come get your program, ball or t-shirt signed by some of your favourite players," urged Marwick.
The EVRO Custom Sheet Metal U9 Kings will be playing between periods on Saturday night.
Also on Saturday night, Sue Morris and Brenda Morris will be welcomed into the Lifetime Member group after years of volunteer service.
Wednesday night's game was Lady Kings Night and featured some incredible alumni guests including:
- Hannah Morris - Team Canada member and Louisville graduate
- Paige Stachura - Canisius
- Kasidy Morris - UMass Amherst
- Kaya Maracle - Queens University
- Emma Torkoff - Albany
The Millwood Logistics second period shootout was treated to these talented shooters and as well as six U15 shooters.
