Hamilton Bengals vs. Welland Vesuvius Warlords (OLA Jr. B Lacrosse)
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The Welland Vesuvius Warlords captured their first playoff berth since 2002 with a 6-2 victory over the visiting Hamilton Bengals on Friday evening.
Few would have thought this would have been possible as the team came into this year with a winless streak that stretched over the past two seasons, but thanks to excellent goaltending, a suffocating defence and timely offence, long-time fans like Harry Wannifreid – to whom this season was dedicated – were finally rewarded.
The Bengals opened the scoring with a goal from #4 Ryan Dilks that was set up by #94 Dustin Ellis at 4:23, but the Warlords quickly responded when #27 Kevin Floris deposited his sixth of the year past #39 Matt Oddi, from #89 Jordy Daradick and #23 Tyler Warren, at 4:44.
#14 Josh Eldridge would record his twentieth of the season at 6:59 to put the Warlords ahead, on passes from #8 Mackenzie Abbott and #9 Steve McIlwrath, and the Warlords would not look back from that point as the pulled out to a comfortable 4-1 lead after twenty minutes of play. Warren would score the third Warlord’s goal of the evening, his eleventh of 2008, from Eldridge and Floris at 16:43 on the power-play. Eldridge would then put in his second of the night and twenty-first of the year, from Warren and Floris while the Warlords still enjoyed the man-advantage.
The second period saw the Warlords strike again with the extra-attacker as Daradick would net his twentieth of the season as well, from Eldridge and Warren to stake the club to a commanding 5-1 lead at 7:49 of the second stanza.
Hamilton would capitalize with the additional runner as well, when #13 Zack Hill found the mesh behind #39 Connor Danko after re-directing passes from #22 Kyle Aquin and Dilks. Welland would put an exclamation point on the game and season when #9 Steve McIlwrath tallied his eleventh goal of the year with thirteen seconds left to play in the game, by converting on Danko’s fifteenth assist of the season.
While not overly tested thanks to the stifling defence in front of him, Danko made the big saves when he needed to, something we have been accustomed to seeing him do all year long. Danko would be the first to praise his tremendous defensive corps in front of him, who are led by captain #13 Jason Pundyk. The crew on the back-end of the floor has quietly toiled away every game and does not often get the attention that it deserves. One player who stood out this evening was #43 Kris Lavoie, who broke through for several great scoring attempts this evening. Lavoie, and others like #32 Thomas O’Malley, #11 Johnny Storm, #12 Alex Cavasin and #33 Jeff Borgatti haven’t recorded many points this season, but they are an undeniable part of the team’s success by having shut down the opposition’s top players game in and game out.
Tonight’s Player of the Game for Welland was #27 Kevin Floris, with a goal and two assists. Kevin has been a tremendous asset to the team since being signed last month, and he will definitely be one of those counted on if the Warlords are to make a strong showing in the playoffs. Player of the Game for Hamilton was their captain #4 Ryan Dilks, who factored into both of their goals this evening.
Finally, recognition must be given to Jesse Cracknell and his excellent coaching staff for their tremendous work with the players. While his impact was not immediately felt in the standings last season, when he came on board mid-way through the year as an Assistant, there is little doubt that the players even then began to emulate his exceptional work ethic and fierce competitiveness. There has been a lot of respect and pride brought back to the organization this season because of the great example he has personified. I wish to extend my congratulations to the entire team management and coaching staff for a job well done.
Not only was the team a winner on the floor tonight, but several fans walked home winners as well. Sharon Eldridge of Welland went home $208 richer thanks to the 50/50 proceeds she pocketed. Another lucky fan was rewarded with an autographed NLL All-Star jersey that has been on display all season-long, and yet more fans took home prizes thanks to the lucky program promotion and the generous support of sponsors like the Express Cafe, Merrittville Speedway, the Heaping Spoonful and the Blue Star Restaurant.
The Warlords would like to thank all their loyal fans for their attendance this season as well as acknowledge the tremendous help received from their great game-night sponsors, like the Welland Forge, who presented tonight’s regular-season finale. A big thank you is further extended to all the wonderful Sponsor-A-Stick families who have been printed in each night’s program. Without these great assists, this successful season would not be possible.
The Warlords remind their fans to check the local newspapers as well as http://www.warlordlax.com for full playoff details as soon as they become available.
Boxscore:
HAM 1-0-1 = 2
WEL 4-1-1= 6
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