A legacy: 7 Mann Cups in 15 years
Zach Currier now has a Mann Cup to go with Major League Lacrosse field title, world silver
Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have won seven Mann Cups in the 15 years since breaking a 20-year drought in 2004.
Shawn Evans is the only player left from the 2004 team he played on as a junior call-up. Most of the current Lakers were in grade school in 2004. That team served as inspiration for local players such as captain Robert Hope, who was 13 in 2004, Josh and Zach Currier, Turner Evans, Thomas Hoggarth, Brock Sorensen,
Bryce Sweeting, Jake Withers and Eric Shewell. Cam Milligan was the Lakers stick boy for some of those early wins.
“The legacy that guys set before us continues each and every season,” Hope said.
“As a young guy in and out of the lineup I learned from Mat Giles, Tracey Kelusky and Scott Self. Since 2004, the winning culture they’ve created gives us this bend but not break attitude any time adversity is in our way. We’re matured about it even though we may sometimes not act like it on the floor. We’re able to talk to one another. We’re friends and teammates and we go to war with one another.”
Zach Currier also won a Major League Lacrosse field title with Matt Gilray and the Denver Outlaws and a silver medal for Canada at the world championships with Gilray and Withers this summer.
“We had some fans who travelled out west last year and it was great to have the support,” said Currier, “but the fact it’s in my hometown and I have so many family and friends here, we have the best fans in the world, it’s awesome to be able to show them how we play the game.”
Cory Vitarelli has been a part of five Mann Cup teams but missing playing in the 2007 series due to hockey commitments and last year because of injury.
“It makes it a lot more sweeter, that’s for sure,” Vitarelli said.
“It was hard to be on the sidelines last year to watch the guys battle and win. I was glad to come back in and be able to help the team win.
“As an older guy watching the young guys stepping up with the times and seeing things come full circle as one of the older guys. Several years ago I was one of them and it’s cool to see it from a different perspective.”
It’s just as sweet for players not from Peterborough.
Nick Weiss grew up In Cobourg but came to play lacrosse in Peterborough at 13.
“In the lacrosse world, everywhere I go they consider me a Peterborough guy,” Weiss said.
“I feel a part of the culture. I feel like I was brought up by this city. I love it. It’s amazing to win one here at home.”
It was a special night for Kyle Buchanan who was MVP of the final game with nine points. He tied a Mann Cup record for assists in a single game with eight, a record Shawn Evans tied a night earlier.
“I couldn’t have ever imagined this,” Buchanan said.
“This group of guys is amazing. To do it last year and this year with such different stories and different seasons is very humbling and exciting. Last year was a grind flying to Vancouver. This year, having this barn absolutely packed to the rafters screaming was crazy. When the clock hit zero I don’t know if I’ve heard it so loud.”
Durham Region boys Gilray and Chad Tutton missed last year’s series. Gilray had to go back to school and Tutton was injured.
“The reason you play lacrosse is to win a Mann Cup,” Gilray said.
“To win it here in a packed barn – there is nothing better in lacrosse.”
It made up for last year.
“It was unbelievable watching those games and following along. You almost feel helpless,” he said. “To actually be here is a great feeling.”