A’s win streak snapped by chiefs

Burlington Chiefs prove too tough for St. Catharines

Despite scoring just over a minute into the game, the St. Catharines Junior A Athletics fell behind the Burlington Chiefs 4-1 in the first period Monday and never recovered in an 8-6 loss.

The loss snapped a four-game win streak for the A’s (6-4) who actually outshot the Chiefs 56-49 overall.

Briley Miller made 50 stops for the now 8-2 Chiefs.

“He (Miller) played well, but I don’t think our guys were picking their spots as well as they have been,” said St. Catharines assistant coach Rob Taylor. “He did play well. On the other end Troy (Holowchuk) had a real good game for us as well.

“Our first period was definitely our worst. After that I thought be battled pretty hard the rest of the game, we just couldn’t find the back of the net.”

Jake McNabb led the Athletics and all scorers with four goals and one assist, while Carter Zavitz and Alex Simmons also scored in the loss. Brett Erskine chipped in with three helpers.

“Jake is obviously a great shooter, and he was finding his spot again tonight like he has all season,” Taylor said.

McNabb, an Owen Sound native, now leads the A’s with 25 goals on the season — which puts him in a tie for third in Ontario Junior A Lacrosse goal scoring.

Ryan Lanchbury paced Burlington with the hat-trick and one assist.

Monday’s game was the first of three for St. Catharines this week. The Athletics host Six Nations on Wednesday night for a 7:30 start time, then welcome the Whitby Warriors Saturday for a 7

p.m. start. Both games are at Jack Gatecliff Arena.

“We told the guys to get over this loss quick, this league is never easy, and to get ready for Wednesday,” said Taylor.

A’s Acorns: Gavin McGregor was the lone Athletics call up from the Welland Jr. B Generals … The A’s were (5-5) through 10 games last season … Festivities for the Athletics’ third annual Lacrosse Day in Niagara begin at 4:30 p.m. Saturday as the St. Catharines Minor Athletics PeeWee team takes on Brampton at Jack Gatecliff Arena. At 5:30, next door at Rex Stimers Arena, there will be a skills competition — all are welcome. The A’s then welcome the Whitby Warriors at 7 p.m at The Jack.