Lakers open playoffs Tuesday against Redmen

LAKERS LIFE

The Century 21 Lakers confirmed Thursday a change to the MSL playoff format which will see first-place Peterborough face third-place Brooklin Redmen in the semifinals. The second-place Six Nations Chiefs will meet the fourth-place Oakville Rock. The league voted unanimously to make the change to cut down on travel costs during the playoffs.

The Lakers will host Game 1 on Tuesday at the PMC with Game 2 in Whitby on Wednesday. Game 3 is Tuesday, Aug. 8 at the PMC with Game 4 in Whitby on Aug. 10. If necessary, Game 5 is in Peterborough on Monday, Aug. 14, Game 6 is in Whitby on Aug. 16 and Game 7 at the PMC on Aug. 17. All games are 8 p.m. starts.

Playoff packages are on sale at the PMC box office. Season ticket holders have until Monday to purchase their seats or they will go on sale to the general public.

Sorensen hoping to return

Brock Sorensen is hoping to suit up for the Lakers this playoffs despite an MRI revealing a small tear of his meniscus ligament in his left knee.

Sorensen said he’s waiting for a Toronto surgeon who operated on his knee in 2016 for an ACL reconstruction to review the MRI along with the Toronto Rock, who own his NLL rights, before he’ll know if he’s given permission to return.

Sorensen tweaked his knee during the NLL season and was shut down for the final weeks and playoffs. He said he’s feeling good now and has taken warm-up with the Lakers in recent weeks. An MCL injury is not as serious as an ACL and he’s anxious to play.

“It really depends on what (the Rock) have to say,” said Sorensen. “Everything is still a little up in the air.”

He’s hoping to know prior to the Lakers opening playoff game Tuesday. He missed the entire 2016 MSL season.

“I feel like I’m very close,” Sorensen said. “It depends on what the surgeon says. I feel like I can play. I just need to know what it means for me long-term and that’s for a guy with a few years education on me to decide.”

Sorensen’s older brother Kyle has gone through similar knee injuries both brothers have had surgery on both knees. Kyle missed two full years before returning this summer to play for the WLA’s Burnaby Lakers.

“You miss it as guys make a playoff run and being around the guys in the locker room,” Brock said.

Honouring Terry Downer

A moment of silence was held prior to Thursday’s game for Lakers alumnus Terry Downer.

Mr. Downer, also a long-time PMC usher, played for the 1966 Pepsi Petes Mann Cup champions. He also played pro lacrosse in Maryland. He died this week.

Roster notes

The Lakers ran pretty close to a full lineup Thursday despite the game having no meaning in the standings.

Thomas Hoggarth missed the game with an ankle injury suffered in Tuesday’s win in Six Nations. Zach Currier was away playing for the MLL’s Denver Outlaws. Junior call-up Jordan Stouros took his spot in the lineup.