Lakers excited to defend Mann Cup at home
While the majority of Peterborough Century 21 Lakers played in last year’s Mann Cup it will be a new experience playing in one as hosts for many.
The defending champions will host the Western Lacrosse Association champion Maple Ridge Burrards beginning Friday at the Memorial Centre. It’s the first time since 2012 the Lakers will host the best-of-seven Canadian Senior A Lacrosse Championship.
“This is one of the things I’ve been looking forward to my whole life,” said Zach Currier, whose game winning goal in Saturday’s 8-7 victory over the Oakville Rock clinched the Lakers’ 26th Major Series Lacrosse title and ninth in 16 years.
“Growing up seeing Peterborough legends like John Grant Jr. Shawn Evans, Dan Carey, who played in Mann Cups in Peterborough, I’m really excited to be part of one and on the floor to try to protect that Cup and keep it where it belongs.”
Captain Robert Hope is in his sixth season with the Lakers but he has yet to experience hosting a Mann Cup.
“As a fan when I was younger it was a great atmosphere,” Hope said.
“Every September there was a chance the Lakers could be in the Mann Cup when there was an opportunity for the east to host it. I’m excited to be a part of that tradition now.
“Just from hearing stories and remembering what it was like when I was a kid, it’s very exciting. There is a buzz in the city each and every day. We’ll have to make sure we’re prepped and not overhype it.”
Adding to the intrigue is the fact Curtis Dickson, a key member of the Lakers winning team last year, will be playing on the opposite side with his hometown Burrards.
“Congrats to him for getting back with another team,” Hope said. “Obviously, he’s a great player and an amazing athlete. He’s our teammate and our friend but once Friday comes he’s on the other team and we’ll make sure we make it as hard as possible for him.”
Hope knows what it’s like to play against Dickson in the NLL when his Colorado Mammoth have played Dickson’s Calgary Roughnecks.
“He can do some pretty amazing things so hopefully we can limit his opportunities. It’s not just him, they have a bunch of amazing players,” Hope said.
“He’s a big one-on-one threat. He can shoot from the outside. He can go underneath and score a million different ways.”
Currier is still Dickson’s teammate in Calgary.
“He’s a great player. It will be fun to compete against him,” Currier said.
“I’m sure at times it’s not going to be fun if he’s taking me to the net. We’ll just have to try to limit his production. He’s a guy we’ll have to key on the whole series.”
Andrew Suitor was a part of the 2012 Lakers who won the Mann Cup at home but he’s been away from the team for three years so it’s exciting for him to get another chance to play at the PMC.
“It’s an awesome opportunity,” Suitor said. “Shawn Evans kind of put it in perspective, it’s a chance of a lifetime especially to play in Peterborough against a really good team like Maple Ridge. We’re going to have to be ready to go and come out of the gates swinging.
“It’s always special but what is most special is the guys you get to share it with,” Suitor said.
“Everyone in this room is a pure beauty. You look forward to coming to the rink. It’s one of those teams where if you have anything going on outside of the rink when you come to the rink it all goes away because you’re so excited to be with your friends.
“More than anything, the drive, compete-level and the way everyone holds each other accountable is unparalleled to anything I’ve been around.”
Suitor learned from 2012 what a grind the Mann Cup is with the potential of seven games in nine days.
“It’s hard to go out west and win but it’s also hard to win when you host. You’re at work all day and then have to get down there two or three nights in a row before you get a day off,” he said.
“It’s tough not only on the players but their families as well. A lot of these guys have young kids and they have to get up with them in the morning so it’s tough on them. The opportunity to host it in Peterborough you can’t beat it. No one matches Peterborough when it comes to hosting a Mann.”
“I’m super excited,” said MSL playoff MVP Kyle Buchanan.
“Thursday nights are amazing there let alone hosting a Mann Cup for a seven-game series. We couldn’t be more fired up.”
NOTE: See Mann Cup ticket sales information on Page C2.