The Cobourg Nissan Kodiaks dropped a very close hard fought game to the Brooklin Redmen last night at Iroquois Arena in Whitby last night.
Both teams finally had full rosters for the matchup with players returning from the National Lacrosse League. Back in the lineup for Cobourg was Chris Cloutier, Luke Laszkiewicz and newcomers Nick Finlay, Dan Lomas and Brandon Robinson. David Diruscio got the start in goal for the Kodiaks.
Hockey legend Walter Gretzky was on hand last night and went into the Kodiaks dressing room prior to the game to give the players a pep talk. That seemed to work, as the Kodiaks dominated play during the first period. Kodiaks rookie Rowan Kelly opened the scoring for Cobourg with his first Major Series Lacrosse goal by a nice two on one set up by Kodiaks captain Joey Cupido. With the Kodiaks leading 6-3 late in the first period, Chris Cloutier appeared to score Cobourg’s seventh goal. As the goal celebration turned into confusion due the referee waiving the goal off, the Redmen capitalized and scored at the buzzer to end the first period. The referees conferred and decided the Cobourg goal didn’t go in so Brooklin’s goal counted. The Kodiaks carried a 6-4 lead going into the first intermission.
The second period was was back and forth with each team getting goals early in the middle frame. At the end the second period, the two teams were tied 8-8.
The third period was fast paced with Cupido scoring a highlight goal early on. With one defender back, Cupido cut across the top of the crease and threw a back hand shot that beat the Brooklin goalie’s top corner. Another Cobourg rookie, Steph Charbonneau, scored his first MSL goal later in the period on a rocket of a shot.
When the final buzzer went, the final score was 14-12 for the Brooklin Redmen.
Leading the way for the Kodiaks was;
Joey Cupido 3 goals, 2 assists Dan Lomas 3 goals, 1 assist Luke Laszkiewicz 2 goals, 1 assist Kyle Killen 1 goal, 1 assist Rowan Kelly 1 goal Steph Charbonneau 1 goal Colton Armstrong 1 goal Nick Finlay 3 assists
This Fathers Day, come out and treat dad to an a action packed, heart pounding, adrenalin filled Major Series Lacrosse game. The Kodiaks take on the Brooklin Redmen at 6pm, Sunday June 17th, at the Cobourg Community Centre. Tickets are available at the door.