Revamped Velocity still searching for first win

WATERLOO REGION — Greg Hummel knows the losing skid will end.

Improvements to his revamped lacrosse squad gives the Kitchener-Waterloo Velocity general manager and head coach hope that the second year outfit will finally win its first game in franchise history.

The Senior B side went 0-18 between the regular season and playoffs in the six-team league last year. The club is off to an 0-3 start this time around, after Sunday’s 15-8 loss to the Brooklin Merchants at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.

“The year is certainly looking a lot better right off the hop compared to last year,” said Hummel. “The team as a whole has gotten better, faster and more skilled. We just have to translate that to everyone being on the same page and I think we’ll start winning games.”

The longtime local lacrosse skipper spent the off-season hunting for new players and figures about half of his roster is new.

The big get — so far — has been goalie Tyler Carlson, whose Saskatchewan Rush are set to face the Rochester Knighthawks in the best-of-three National Lacrosse League final. Returning captain Richard Haan and newcomers Davis Prince and Henry Archie are also ones to watch.

More help could be on the way. The Velocity acquired the rights to Kitchener native Ryan Benesch from Owen Sound in the off-season and is currently trying to lure the Colorado Mammoth star back to his hometown. The sniper is also property of the Oakville Rock on the Major Series Lacrosse loop.

“Our approach has always been to treat the guys right,” he said. “I think that starts to send a message that we look after players. There is also a chance (here) to be apart of turning this around.”

The season opener has been a highlight. The Velocity lost 6-4 to the defending champion Six Nations Rivermen. A followup 15-4 thumping to the Oakville Titans was ugly but the team looked better in its most recent loss to Brooklin.

“I believe the skill level has increased a lot,” said Hummel. “Now it’s just waiting to get that first win. I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I can see it, but you have to get there.”

The Velocity head to Owen Sound May 25 to take on the North Stars and wrap up the road trip against the Ennismore James Gang the next day. The team’s next home game is June 3 against Ennismore.