Arena Lacrosse League East Power Rankings - Week Nine

by Gary Groob


Arena Lacrosse League East Power Rankings - Week Nine

1.  Brampton Express (7-2)

Another week, and another big win from this well oiled machine.  Special teams played a part in this victory with the Express scoring one power-play goal and three short-handed goals.  Gage Board (6g,5a), Pent Eistrat (2g,5a), and Zac Sunderland (2g,3a) all had big games.  Lucas Nagy was exceptional in net.


2. Whitby Steelhawks (7-2)

The Steelhawks dominated the Peterborough Timbermen in every facet of the game, scoring almost at will in this game.  Whitby has put the league on notice that they will be there when all is said and done.  Led by Trent Boyd (4g,4a) and Liam Osbourne (3g,5a), Whitby had eleven different scorers in this well-balanced attack.  Grant Crawley had a spectacular game in net, stopping 28 of 32 shots on the Steelhawks goal.


3.  Toronto Monarchs (7-2)

Although the game didn't start well for the Monarchs, a strong fourth quarter propelled them to victory.  Tanner Buck (6g,5a) scored four consecutive goals in the dying minutes to send the game to overtime.  Riding the momentum, Henry Follows (2g,4a) was able to convert a Jordan Dance pass 5:24 into OT for the victory.  Jordan Dance (4g,6a) had another superb day, along with Buck and Joel Taylor (3g,6a) leading the Toronto offense. Games like these show the character of the team!


4. Oshawa Outlaws (6-3)

Oshawa had everything going their way for three quarters, but the adage is it's not how you start, it's how you finish.  A defensive breakdown in the fourth had the Monarchs score nine times sending the game to overtime, and win it in OT.  Still a powerhouse in the league, the Outlaws need to work out the kinks if they hope to contend at the end of March.  John St. John (2g,10a) had another big day.  Alec Simons (5g,3a), Geoff Mcnulty (4g,2a), and newcomer Cam Milligan (2g,4a) gave the Outlaws plenty of offense.  Look for a strong showing from the Outlaws the next time out.

5.  Six Nations Snipers (4-4)

Another game that Six Nations should have had an easier time with, turned into a nail-biter.   Ahead by three goals, the Snipers allowed the RiverWolves back in the game in the fourth quarter.   With five minutes to go goals from Cheyton King (2g,1a) and Justin Porga (3g,1a) gave them the come from behind victory.   Dusty Hill had a spectacular game in net stopping 37 of 47 shots.


6.  Paris RiverWolves (3-6)

This Paris team is so close to getting over the hump, but just can't get there yet.  This team is competitive, and with Laine Hruska tending goal, they have a chance to win every game they play.  Marley Angus (2g,3a), Ryan Pavic (2g,1a), Kyle Dawson (2g,1a), and Nolan Rutty (2g,0a) are all talented players, and are gelling more and more each time out.  


7.  Oshwekan Bears (1-7)

The Bears had a daunting challenge this week.  Having to face Brampton at home would be a tough request. Playing in the legendary Memorial Arena in Brampton, made this a much more difficult task!  Playing from behind is not a recipe for success.  The Bears found themselves in a hole early, and just couldn't dig themselves out.  If they are going to have success the defense is going to have to limit opportunities on their own net.


8.  Peterborough Timbermen (0-9)

Unfortunately for the Timbermen, they ran into the hottest team in the ALL, the Whitby Steelhawks.   They have been making strides over the last few weeks, but had a bad week this week.  In the middle of a rebuild, there will be growing pains.  As long as the team keeps moving forward there will be success down the road.