2007 - Story Archive

Local players selected in NLL draft

Crosbie, Lakers are B.C. bound 

Over and out in three

Green Gaels facing elimination

Green Gaels fall for first time

Showdown of the top two   

Game schedule versus Six Nations Rebels

Thursday - Aug. 9 - Six Nations @ Green Gaels - 8:00 pm
Friday  - Aug. 10 - Green Gaels @ Six Nations - 8:00pm
Sunday  - Aug. 12 - Six Nations @ Green Gaels - 8:00 pm
Wednesday  - Aug. 15 - Green Gaels @ Six Nations - 8:00pm
Friday - Aug. 17 - Six Nations @ Green Gaels - 8:00 pm

Green Gaels 'resilient' ...

Clarington sweeps Halton Hills -Fri Aug 03, 2007

Brad Kelly, newsdurhamregion.com
BOWMANVILLE -- The Clarington Green Gaels are moving on.

While that isn't the most surprising statement ever made, the Jr. B lacrosse team had to earn the right to advance on Thursday night, needing overtime before finally completing a three game series sweep over the Halton Hills Bulldogs, registering an 11-9 victory.

"It was really good for us to be in a game like that," said coach Jason Crosbie afterward. Only one other time this season, back on May 19 in Barrie, have the Green Gaels had to work overtime before collecting a victory. "It proved that our kids are resilient. They are really together, they are a family, they never gave up."

Thursday's win to clinch the East Conference championship was the 29th in a row this season, and by far, the toughest...

Read the rest of this Brad Kelly story at newsdurhamregion.com

Junior B Site

Green Gaels shake off rust for win

Post 8-5 victory over Halton Hills in series opener


BOWMANVILLE -- The holiday is over for the Clarington Green Gaels, whose travel plans this summer still have a trip to British Columbia as a favoured destination.

After a 10-day layoff, the Green Gaels returned to their quest for a ticket to the Founder's Cup National Championships in Kamloops from Aug. 22-26 by matching up with the Halton Hills Bulldogs in the opener of a best-of-five, Jr. B East Conference final series on Sunday.

Read the rest of this Brad Kelly story here at newsdurhamregion.com

Gaels grab series opener

By Ron Messer, Green Gaels PR, July 29, 2007
The building was hot and the action was even hotter on the floor as these two teams put on a great show for the large crowd in attendance.

An early goal by the visitors at 2:40 came before all the fans were in their seats .Gaels tied the affair 27 seconds later on a Blake Bremner score. Gaels went up 2-1 until Halton came even with a Greg Henry tally.  Mark Matthews added one for the homeboys at 17:59 to take a 3-2 lead to the room. JJ LaForet evened things at 4:44 with one for the Dogs. The rest of the period was all Gaels as Matthews McKusker and Fitchett counted for the Gaels who took a 6-5 lead at the intermission.

The second period featured a bit of a ruckus started by Dogs Goaler Manny Hundal who took exception to the number of Gaels buzzing around his net . Other than some pleasantries being exchanged the feature of this tilt was some major league theatrics by Hundal as he called the Gaels goalie on as he walked towards the Gaels end. Hundal is a great competitor and goalie the only thing antics like these will get him is a ride on the pines due to suspension.
 
Two goals by the Gaels in the  the third was all she wrote tonight as the Gaels take this one by an 8-5 score .Game two is in Halton on Wednesday and the hostilities return to Bowmanville on Thursday. Great game for the fans on both sides as the pendulum did swing both ways a number of times

Green Gaels get back to business

Open Sunday against Halton Hills -Thu Jul 26, 2007

BOWMANVILLE -- There are two possible scenarios that might unfold Sunday night when the Clarington Green Gaels finally get their Eastern Conference final series underway against the Halton Hills Bulldogs.

Sitting idle for the past 10 days since sweeping the Eastern semifinal, it's conceivable the Jr. B lacrosse club could show the effects of a long layoff, taking a while to shake the rust off. Or, they could come out hungry, eager to continue the quest for a perfect season and ultimately a Founder's Cup.

Bet on the latter...

Read the rest of this Brad Kelly story at newsdurhamregion.com

Green Gaels draw Halton Hills in the semis

Series gets started Sunday -Wed Jul 25, 2007

BOWMANVILLE -- By virtue of a series sweep in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Clarington Green Gaels earned themselves a bit of a break.

That break is turning into more like a holiday.

Their next series against Halton Hills won't open until Sunday at home, leaving 10 days since disposing Barrie in three straight games in the semifinals. Game 1 of the best-of-five Eastern Conference championship series at the Recreation Complex will begin at 7 p.m.

Read the rest of the newsdurhamregion.com story here

Green Gaels sweep aside Barrie

Advance in three straight after 13-6 win
 - Brad Kelly

BOWMANVILLE -- All of the drama was virtually over in less than five minutes, and then it was business as usual for the Clarington Green Gaels on Thursday night.

In search of a series sweep against the visiting Barrie Tornado, the Green Gaels found themselves down 2-0 on a couple of power play goals, and minus a coach as Jason Crosbie was ejected after voicing his displeasure with some calls just 4:32 into Game 3 of the best-of-five OLA Junior B quarterfinal series.

But you don't register 25 straight victories without overcoming a little adversity...

Read the rest of this Brad Kelly story at newsdurhamregion.com
Green Gaels sweep Barrie - Brad Kelly video report Durham Daily News

Green Gaels move a step closer

By Ron Messer, Green Gaels PR
Despite a first period letdown when the visitors took a 2-0 lead, the Green Gaels were in control most of the way in this game.  The Green Gaels answered Barrie’s two early markers with 4 of their own only to see that lead evaporate by the end of the first when the teams went to the dressing room knotted at 4.  The floodgates opened for the Gaels as they scored 6 to Barries 2 as the second ended 10-6 Gaels.
 
Barrie never gave up and kept at the Gaels forcing the regular season champs to flex their defensive muscle in the third under intense pressure from the Tornado.  Gaels counted 3 more in the third to end the game and the series with a 13-6 victory.
 
Jeff Hopoer came in in relief of starter Brandon Noble in the Barrie net and wowed the crowd with some heroic effort while under pressure from the Gaels.  The huge crowd was treated to the type of lacrosse game that keeps fans coming back. End to end with great goaltending and shot selection from both teams. Barrie is a good team with a future.
 
Rookie of the year Mark matthews potted 4 for the winners along with 3 helpers to lead all scorers. Scott Fitchett and Mike Mc Cusker had 2 each. Rick Acorn and Brent Balkwill were impressive for the visitors. Tenacious D is the name of a new hit movie with Jack Black but it also goes to describe the way the Gaels control a game with the tenacious pursuit of loose balls that cause turnovers resulting in a large number scoring chances.
 
Next up is the winner of Halton /Mimico for the eastern title. Check this site and your local listings for the Gaels next game .....

Don Stinson 1948-2007

Former Green Gael great Don Stinson passed away this week in Huntsville. He was 59.

The Magnficient Seven article from this website
Green Gael great passes On - article from newsdurhamregion.com
Sports Star dies after accident - article from the Huntsville Forester

Matthews a double winner

Green Gael wins scoring and rookie awards

Tuesday, July 17 - Metroland newsdurhamregion.com
BOWMANVILLE -- While the Clarington Green Gaels continue their quest for the ultimate team prize -- a Founder's Cup -- some individual awards have come their way.

After going undefeated at 20-0-0 on the regular season, the Ontario Lacrosse Association Jr. B club garnered four individual honours based on their success.

Mark Matthews was a double winner, selected as the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year, as well as the top scorer for the conference after collecting 99 points on 33 goals and 66 assists.

While Matthews took care of things offensively, players were also cited for their defensive play. Mark Burnett was named Most Valuable Defensive Player for the Eastern Conference, while goaltenders Kalvin Thomas and Zack Higgins were cited as the top netminders in the conference as the duo combined for a stingy 5.5 goals against average.

Read the rest of the Durham Daily News story here

The tradition continues in Clarington

Crosbie and Derks leading Green Gaels back towards promised land
Sun Jul 15, 2007 - Shawn Cayley

CLARINGTON -- A couple of familiar faces have brought the family, honour, pride and tradition back to the Clarington Green Gaels this season.

So much so, it could potentially lead all the way back to the Founders Cup.

Both Jason Crosbie and Jonas Derks speak highly of the family atmosphere hovering over their currently undefeated Jr. B lacrosse club, the honour and pride that comes with coaching the Green Gaels and the winning tradition that had seemingly faded since their departure after winning the 2004 Founders Cup..

Read the rest of this excellent Shawn Cayley article here

Green Gaels come out swinging against Barrie

Build 9-0 lead in 16-5 victory in Game 1
Thu Jul 12, 2007 - Shawn Cayley

CLARINGTON -- Complacency isn't something Jason Crosbie and Jonas Derks like to see.
Night in and night out, their Clarington Green Gaels have done an admirable job of avoiding that trap en route to a 20-0 regular season followed by a three-game sweep of Mississauga in the opening round of the OLA Jr. B league playoffs.

However, after watching their club annihilate the Barrie Tornado 14-2 through two periods of Game 1 of their second-round series Wednesday, on they way to a 16-5 victory, they did understand the third-period lull the Gaels fell into...

Read the complete Shawn Cayley story here
Green Gaels unbeatable - video coverage of the game

Green Gaels Never Looked Back

By Ron Messer, Green Gaels PR
The Clarington Green Gaels began the scoring at the :40 second mark of the first and never looked back defeating the visitors 16-5. By the 6:06 mark of the second period the Gaels had built a 13-0 lead before Barrie decided to make a game of it.  So for all intent and purpose the Tornado won the last half of the game by a score of 5-3 something that Coach Jason Crosbie remarked on in the post game interview.  He said the lack of concentration could have been fatal had this been a closer game and that this is something the Gaels will work on before game 2 in the series that goes next Tuesday night in Barrie.

Clarington’s Todd Collins led all scorers with 5 goals, while Shawn Carter was impressive for the Tornado.  Zach Higgins got the start in goal tonight and the Clarington minor product stood tall and looked every part a true Jr. goalie making some nice saves along the way. 

Barrie seemed to be out muscled and flat as the Gaels beat them to the vast majority of the loose balls.  A good crowd on hand once again was sent home happy.  Next home game, that will be game 3, in this series happens next Thursday night, watch this space for details.

Green Gaels Ready for Round 2 - Shawn Cayley, Durham Daily News

Playoff Dates versus Barrie Tornado

Wednesday, July 11- 8 PM @ Rickard
Tuesday, July 17- 8 PM @ Barrie
Thursday, July 19 - 8 PM @ Rickard
Friday, July 20th - 8  PM @ Barrie (if necessary)
Sunday, July 22 - 8 PM @ Rickard (if necessary)

Green Gaels sweep aside Tomahawks

Crosbie not completely satisfied with effort

Thu Jul 05, 2007 - Shawn Cayley

CLARINGTON -- While it appeared to be a dominating performance from start to finish, Clarington Green Gaels coach Jason Crosbie wants to make one thing clear as his team prepares for the second round of the playoffs.

"You can always get better," he said on Thursday, two days after his club registered a 13-5 victory in Game 3 to sweep the Mississauga Tomahawks out of the first round of the OLA Jr. B league playoffs...

Read the full Shawn Cayley story from Durham Daily News

Playoffs bring new season for Green Gaels

Lacrosse club meets Mississauga in opening round

BOWMANVILLE -- The Clarington Green Gaels have started a new winning streak.
A perfect 20-0-0 regular season was wiped out on Thursday night as the Jr. B lacrosse club opened an Eastern Conference quarterfinal playoff series against the Mississauga Tomahawks. But it didn't take them long to establish they are determined to begin a new streak that ultimately leads to the Founder's Cup national championship.

Read more of this Brad Kelly story from Durham Daily News
See the video report from Brad Kelly
Gallery photos of the game - refreshed

Opening shots

Fresh off an undefeated season final game in Markham, quickly opened the playoffs Thursday night with an 18-5 victory over first rounds opponents Mississauga Tomahawks.  Led by McCusker (3,5), Cockerton (3,4), Collins (3,3) & Cudmore (2,4) the Green Gaels dominated from start to finish. Outstanding goaltending from Kalvin Thomas left no doubt as he also chipped in with 3 assists.  However, despite being shelled, Missy goalie Matt Chamois played very well and made some spectacular saves.


This shot was a goal though.

Next game is in Mississauga Saturday with a 7 PM start time at Clarkson before the Green Gaels return to Rickard on Tuesday with an 8 PM start.

Gallery photos of the game

Worth all the "hype!"

By Ron Messer, Green Gael PR
A great night out if you were a Green Gaels fan as the arena was full on Clarington Minor/Sponsor Appreciation Night.  The visitors from the east, and for that matter the entire eastern conference, is just not having a good year.  The Gaels dominated from start to finish and played the game in a gentlemanly manner - there were only 4 penalties on the night 2 to each team.  I would like to thank all the kids that came out last night to support their local heroes and of course to our genorous sponsors that make having a Jr. team possible.

CMLA Team Ontario rep, Mitchell Burghardt kicks things off

The first period of last night’s game was handled by the officiating dynamic duo of Pauly Johnson and our very own promotions director Sue Powless, a carded OLA ref who usually handles minor and ladies lacrosse.  She was pressed into service as Mr. Johnson’s partner, Paul German, was delayed on the way into the Region. It is the first time in my memory that I have seen a female ref in an OLA sanctioned Jr. game it could be a first - does anyone else out there remember a female ref in Jr?

Gaels try to make it a perfect regular season when they finish out the schedule with a game in Markham this week.  Check out all the scores and scorers at the Official Jr B site.


Giving back to the game, CMLA grad Nick Diachenko

Gallery photos of the game

Green Gaels Beat Huntsville

BOWMANVILLE -- The streak lives on, but the focus is starting to shift.

For the first time, the 'P' word -- as in 'playoffs' -- started to circulate around the Clarington Green Gaels following their latest victory on the OLA Jr. B season Thursday night at the Recreation Complex...

Read the whole story, Brad Kelly, Durham Daily Sports
Gaels are riding high - Video, Brad Kelly, Durham Daily Sports
Box Score from the Junior B site

Gallery photos of the game

14 and Counting

Ron Messer, Green Gael PR

The Clarington Green Gaels, on the strength of 3 goal performances by Mark Matthews and Todd Colllins, built a 10-5 two period lead then held on to win 10-8. The Dawgs changed goalies for the third and that seemed to inspire them as they outscored the Gaels 3-0 in the final frame. The Gaels were without several regulars due to personal reasons.

A full contingent will make the trip to Huntsville for a rematch that sees the Gaels make their second trip north in less than a week.

Gaels vs Halton - Box Score
Winning without effort - Brad Kelly, Durham Daily News
Gaels vs Saints - Box Score

Cudmore hopes to put skills on display in college - Inside Lacrosse article

Gaels Top the Saints

Ron Messer, Green Gael PR
The Green Gaels made 13-0 last night with a 10-6 win over the Toronto Saints.  While the victory was never really in doubt the Saints, led by scott Fischett, kept it close by not quitting till the final buzzer.
 
The Saints employ the biggest goalie I have seen since that behemoth Coach Little stuck between the pipes for the Buzz a couple of years back.  Not to say that the young man didnt stand tall many times in the face of the Gaels onslaught he was just very difficult to beat from outside courtesy of his size.
 
The Gaels penalty kill got lots of excercise due to a parade to the box, but it didnt cost them too dearly as they managed 3 shorthanded goals, one while two men short.  The Saints capitalised on a couple of PP opportunities, but didn't penetrate the Gaels defense as often as they would have liked.  Saints could be a spoiler if anyone takes them lighty in the playoffs.

On a Sad note...
Doug "Bugsy" McClean will be sorely missed by all in the Durham lacrosse community, as well as by the many guys who played and visited in this area over the years.  The players will remember him as the guy that loved to joke with them as they served out their sentence in the box,or tell them to cool their jets and take a chill pill.  I worked with Doug only a few times but it was always a good time.  I shall remember him with great fondness.

Gaels alone at the top

Ron Messer, Green Gael PR  
The Clarington Green Gaels find themselves at the top of the Jr B heap as they downed the previously undefeated Oakville buzz by a score of 10 -7 last Thursday. Oakville scored the first goal of the game and kept it close, but the Gaels led 4-2 entering the dressing room after 1.  A couple of quick ones to start the second period at the 32 second mark followed up by an Adrian Sorichetti marker at 2:39 spotted the Gaels a 6-2 lead.

Oakville scored 2 of their own before the stanza ended but another 2 by the Gaels made the score 8-4 after 2.  Adrian Sorichetti scored his second of the night to open the third.  Ryan Abu Ali scored 2 for the visitors however Mark McCusker's goal at 18;23 spelled the end of the Buzz tonight.

The secret to the Gaels success was tenacious defence that kept a very skilled Oakville team from scoring.  A big hit by Craig McDonald at 14:35 of the second period that drew him a minor for charging seemed to lift the Gaels as he stood up for a team mate that took a good lick from #6 Mark Kingston. 

This was a very entertaining game right from the first draw that kept the crowd of over 350 on the edge of their seats. Mark Matthews led the way for the Gaels as he Potted 4 and added as many assists to garner 8 points on the night.  Clarington Minor product Zack Higgins got the start in the net tonight for the Gaels and was very solid in the face of some great pressure from the Buzz.  Referees Ravery and Garisson let the boys play tonight and didn't hand out needless double minors like the ref felt he was compelled to do willy nilly in the last game. The game was decided by the players. Only one scrap , as Mike Perras and the Gaels Blake Bremner threw bombs at each other, no decision, no one hurt.

The Gaels try to make it 12-0 when they travel to Huntsville on Tuesday before returning home Next Thursday the 7th of June to face the Saints. This was a great game by two very good Jr. B Clubs. Checkout the Box score on the JR B Site.

Gaels improve to 11-0 - Stephanie Swinson video report from Durham News
Matthews lifts Green Gaels... - new story from This Week
Gallery Photos of the game

Green Gaels 9 & 0

The Green Gaels marched along this week with wins over Barrie, the Saints and Markham.  In the penalty filled match Thursday night against the Ironheads, the Gaels managed to find the net 10 times after two periods, before potting 3 more in a relatively quiet third.  Leading the way were Evan Robichaud, Todd Collins and Mark Matthews with 4 points each.

The Sunday mid-season game features the Akwesasne Lighting. Game time is 2 PM at Garnet Rickard Arena.

Green Gaels learn to play with lead - Brad Kelly, Durham Daily News
Green Gaels pull away from Saints - Brad Kelly, Durham Daily News

D-Lightful!

John Lafontaine accepts the Whitby Trophy House Player of the Game award from Green Gaels VP of Team & Alumni Guy Morey.

Green Gaels defence held the  pedal through two periods while the O stepped on the gas in the third for a convincing 11-6 victory over the visiting Barrie Tornado Thursday night.

With rookie Mark Matthews 7 point night (4,3) the Gaels took a 4-4 game at the end of the second to score 7 in the third and cruise for  their six win in as many outings before a great crowd at the Garnet B. Rickard Arena.  The game was a fast-paced, relatively clean affair with referees Paul Ravary and Ian Garrison letting the teams play.

Also scoring for the Green were Craig MacDonald (1,3), Adam Derks (0,3), Adrian Sorichetti (0,3), Todd Collins (2,0); Andrew Faric, Blake Bremner, Steve Conrad & Ryan Degerdon each had a goal and an assist while Evan Robichaud & Mike Thomas chipped in with a helper each.

Tornado scorers were Rick Acorn (0,5), Mike Holder (3,1), Jacob Donato (2,2), Daniel Ball (1,0), John Kerr & Steve Holder with 2 helpers each while Sean Lever chipped in with an assist.

Gallery View of the game
Green Gaels Carrying Six Pack into Weekend - Brad Kelly, Durham Daily

4 and Oh!

With a convincing 14-5 shellacking of the Saints on Thursday night, the Green Gaels ran their record to 4 wins and no losses.  Green Gaels won both games in Ottawa last weekend with a 13-4 win over Nepean on Saturday and a 13-3 victory against Gloucester the next day.

On Thursday night at Rickard, the Saints were never in the game with the Gaels leading 4-1 & 10-3 after two periods.  Despite that, the Saints' Coady Adamson was in on all the Saints goals ending up with 2 goals and 3 assists.

Green Gael scorers included Todd Collins with 7 points on a 3 goal 4 assist night followed by Ryan Degerdon (1,5) & Mark Matthews (2,4) with 6 points each.

View the boxscore here on the Junior B site
2007 Junior B Standings are here

Green Gaels win home opener 11-5 over Barrie!

A jittery Gaels squad spotted the Tornado a 3-0 1st period lead before closing in at the end of the second down 5-4.  7 goals in the 3rd sealed a 11-5 win for the Gaels in their 2007 season & home opener. 

Barrie - Schapers - 1,0; Donato - 1,0; Kerr - 1,2; Clancy -1,0; & Acorn -1,1; Lee - 0,1; Lever, 0,3.

Green Gaels - Degerdon - 3,2; Matthews -2,2; Conrad - 2,1; K. Thomas - 0,3; Cudmore - 2,0;
M. Thomas - 1,1; Derks - 0,2; McKusker - 1,0; McDonald - 0,1; Bremner - 0,1;

Green Gaels off to a good start - story & video - Brad Kelly Durham Daily News

And now... something completely different!

Welcome to the 'new' Clarington Green Gael lacrosse site.  Look around, things are different.  Some things are still broken, but I'll get to them when I have time.

If I wasn't so busy these days, I would add some more witty content to go along with announcement, but I hope you enjoy the new look.
"Go Gaels Go!"