Rookie goalie impressing with the Lakers
Veterans Vinc, Kirk expected to share the load during playoffs
Peterborough Century 21 Lakers GM Paul Day assures there is no goaltending controversy with his team.
Rookie Doug Buchan was outstanding in a 7-3 road win over the Six Nations Chiefs on Tuesday night that clinched first place in Major Series Lacrosse.
Buchan was signed as a free agent to get the Lakers through a stretch early in the season when veterans Evan Kirk and Matt Vinc were still in National Lacrosse League playoffs.
Vinc and Kirk alternated last season on the way to a Mann Cup victory.
Buchan has played the most games of the three this year, leads the MSL in most goalie statistics and was a surprise starter on Tuesday.
The Lakers close out their regular season schedule in a possible playoff preview at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Memorial Centre against the same Chiefs.
Kirk and Vinc have dressed for the four games necessary to gain playoff eligibility. The rule used to be six games but was changed to four this year when the league reduced its schedule from 18 to 16 games.
Lakers GM Paul Day said Buchan deserved to start on Tuesday but there is no question as to who will play in the playoffs.
“Doug has played really well and we have lots of confidence in him but the other two have so much experience in playoffs and big games, that’s the reason they are here,” Day said.
That said, Buchan may still dress in some playoff games.
“Keep in mind Kirk is getting married on Aug. 11. We may have to utilize all three in the playoffs just because of work or Kirk’s wedding although he is not taking his honeymoon until the fall,” Day said.
Buchan appears to be the Lakers goalie of the future.
“We know Vino and Kirky aren’t going to play forever,” Day said. “We have a great future.”
Jake Withers and Matt Gilray were back in the lineup Tuesday after playing in the world field lacrosse championships.
They may get a break on Thursday. Zach Currier missed Tuesday to work commitments but will be there Thursday.
All three, along with Jake Fox of the Iroquois Nationals, and Six Nations players who played for Canada or the Iroquois will be honoured prior to the game.
While an opponent is undecided, Day said he expects the Lakers to host Game 1 of the semifinals on Aug. 2.
The Lakers announced Tuesday that they will hold their fan appreciation night on their second home playoff game.