Family, Honour, Pride, Tradition

2008 News Archives

OLA Junior B Outstanding Rookie Award

Doug Luey presents Green Gael Ryan Serville with the OLA Junior B Outstanding Rookie Award for the East.  Ryan accepted the award at the recent Green Gael Awards Banquet held December 28th.

Green Gael award winners include Offensive MVP Shayne Jackson, Defensive MVP Steve Bourden, Rookie of the Year Ryan Serville, Jim Bishop Trophy winner Kirby Upshaw, Most Underrated Player Lucas Perri, Grinder of the Year Mike Lum Walker and Most Likely to Succeed Zach Palmer.

Photos of the 2008 Green Gael Award banquet can be found here.

Green Gaels to have new faces behind the bench

Dec 02, 2008 - 12:47 PM

BOWMANVILLE -- The Clarington Green Gaels will have a couple of new faces on board when the OLA Jr. B lacrosse team takes to the floor for 2009.

The team has announced that Paul Stewart will join head coach Jason Crosbie and assistant Dave Lundy behind the bench. Stewart had playing and coaching stints with the Brooklin Redmen and Irish National team, as well as recent experience as an assistant coach with the New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League.

Stewart replaces Jonas Derks, who has joined the staff of the Whitby Warriors Jr. A team.

There has also been a change at the top, as Paul Chamois has accepted the position of general manager with the team. Chamois, who was the team manager for the past few years, accepted the position at the Green Gaels AGM in October. He replaces Terry Rowland.

From the This Week article located here

Former Green Gael Terry Lloyd inducted into the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame

Terry Lloyd of Oshawa, elected in the Builders Category has been the driving force behind the Oshawa Blue Knights Field Lacrosse Association growth from one Sr. team in 1979 to over 12 teams today. He has been involved in every part of the game as manager, coach and executive and organized every detail from behind the scenes. His teams have won numerous championships and more recently he was involved with the Under 19 World Field Lacrosse Championship in BC in 2008.He received the OLA Ken Murray Award for unselfish motivations demonstrated by the dedication of their efforts to “helping the kids”.

2008 OLHOF Inductees Announced

Five Find Fame in Oshawa - Jun1, 2006 newsdurhamregion.com article from Brian McNair

Season Over for Green Gaels

Jr. B lacrosse team falls in Game 5

Jul 22, 2008 - 01:59 PM

By Shawn Cayley, newsdurhamregion.com

CLARINGTON -- The Clarington Green Gaels didn't score in the first period, and struggled to score in the third.

And the end result of it signaled an abrupt end to their season as the Halton Hills Bulldogs turned a 2-1 Clarington lead into an 8-3 victory of their own Monday in Game 5 of the Ontario Lacrosse Association Jr. B league second round series.

Though disappointed that the season came to a close, Jason Crosbie, coach of the Green Gaels, did his best to put it all into perspective afterwards.

Read the rest of this Shawn Cayley story here...
Gaels prep for Halton Hills - This Week story by Shawn Cayley Jul 10

Green Gaels moving on to round two...

Saturday, July 5th

BARRIE - Shayne Jackson scored 1:52 into the third period to break a 4-4 tie and spark a 3 goal Green Gael run that ended the season for the Barrie Tornado. Barrie got one back halfway through the period, but markers by Jackson and Ryan Serville put the game out of reach.  The Green Gaels won 9-5.

Gaels Advance to Second Round - This Week story by Shawn Cayleyth Jim Bishop Memorial Golf Tournament! Thursday July 10, 2008
Oliver’s Nest Golf Club, Oakwood, Ontario, 1 888 953- 6378

Registration:  10:00 am
Shotgun Start:  11:00 am
Steak BBQ:  4:30 pm
Silent Auction:  Following Tournament
Formant:  Four Man Team Scramble
Sponsor:  Green Gaels Alumni
Benefit:  Clarington Green Gaels Jr. B  Lacrosse  Club
Price:  $135 per person

For More Information: Peter Abramczuk (905) 623-2781
HOPE  YOU  CAN  MAKE  IT!

Green Gaels a win away from eliminating Barrie, Win 8-5 on home floor in Game 3

Thurs. July 3rd, by Brad Kelly

BOWMANVILLE -- On paper, the Clarington Green Gaels have an excuse to fall back on if things don’t go their way in the opening round playoff series against the Barrie Tornado.

But coach Jason Crosbie won’t have any of it.

Despite missing four significant players off the roster, the Green Gaels have put themselves in a position to advance, just one win away from finishing their East Conference quarterfinal series thanks to an 8-5 victory in Game 3 of the best-of-five series on Thursday night in Bowmanville. With a 2-1 series lead, Game 4 is slated for Barrie on Saturday, and if necessary, a fifth and deciding game would be back in Bowmanville on Tuesday night...

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

July 3rd - Green Gaels series against Barrie extended

Green Gaels strong in opener

Mon. June, 30th, by Brad Kelly

CLARINGTON -- It's difficult for Clarington Green Gaels coach Jason Crosbie to look into his crystal ball and predict with any degree of certainty an outcome for his playoff series with Barrie.

He has trouble enough figuring out from shift to shift how his young team is going to play.

In the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series opener on Saturday night at the Recreation Complex, the Green Gaels posted a 9-6 victory to take an early lead in the best-of-five OLA Jr. B series.

"We played good, but we can do better," said Crosbie. "We showed flashes of what we can do, and then flashes of inexperience.

"I have to constantly get on them and you don't want to do that as a coach. They have to understand what is going on."

The series resumed in Barrie on Monday night (after our deadline), with Game 3 back in Clarington on Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Recreation Complex...

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

Recent News about the Green Gaels

June 26th - Crosbie hopes learning curve continues for Gaels
June 20th - Green Gaels close out home schedule with a win
June 12th - Tough stretch of games for Green Gaels



POTG Steve Bourden & Gaels Manager Paul Chamois celebrate the win over the Saints.  Gallery photos here.

Green Gaels down Nepean

By Ron Messer, Green Gaels PR
The Gaels took the first goal in the chin very early in the first period but then kept scoring to finish 12-5 winners . The Knights are a good team with terrific goaltending. The score could have been much higher if not for a stellar peformance by Andrew Marquis who took away the top part of the net time and time again from the Gaels shooters. This same team less than 24 hrs before faced an 11-3 deficit after 1 period against Mississauga then rallied to win 15-13 !!! Hats of to the Nepean Knights it was a sticky hot afternoon and they hung tough with the Gaels.

Shayne Jackson notched his first Jr hatrick. Mitchell Wilde, Alex Henderson and Zach Palmer all had multi point games. Gaels hit the road for 4 of their next 5 games all of which will test their resolve. The "road trip of 08" starts Tuesday the 10th in Newmarket followed the next night by a tilt in the jewel of the 400, Barrie, then 2 nights later Friday the 13th they swoop in to Oakville and try to ruin their Buzz. A short return home to face the Saints on the 19th in their temporary home on Pad B at the Garnet Rickard Centre.

Then its off to the home of the Bacon on a Bun in beautiful south Etobicoke to face the "Big M's" at the Drummond Street Bowl. Then its playoff time against who knows who, all I know, is that it will be exciting, it always is.

Do yourself a favour push yourself away from the couch and attend a lacrosse game this week and bring a friend, its lacrosse season in Ontario the action like the weather is usually hot, so dont miss a minute.

And in the News... (newsdurhamregion.com that is...)

 The defence never rests for Green Gaels
Friday June 06 2008
BOWMANVILLE -- An often repeated line at the end of a court case cites that the defence...
 
 Henderson back for another crack at Founders Cup
Tuesday June 03 2008
BOWMANVILLE -- The Clarington Green Gaels have had an air of confidence about them since the...
 
 Green Gaels win battle of top two
Thursday May 29 2008
NEWMARKET -- The Clarington Green Gaels took on another challenge to their throne at the top of the...

 Easy win for Green Gaels
Monday May 26 2008
BOWMANVILLE -- There was nothing prior to the game to suggest it was going to be close between the...

 Winning is what separates the Green Gaels from the rest
Sunday May 25 2008
Jason Crosbie didn't get fired. That would have been harsh.

Green Gaels 18-5 over Gloucester

The Green side had a good Sunday afternoon effort against the visiting Griffens today led by Zach Palmer & Christophe Perron with 4 goals apiece. Check out the gallery - hey I am still working with the new camera.


Green Gael player of the game #17 Zach Palmer with Green Gael Manager Paul Chamois

Gallery versus Gloucester

Green Gaels 14  Huntsville Hawks 7

By Ron Messer, Green Gael PR
The Gaels overpowered the Hawks for most of the game however, once again, hurt their chances at running away with the game due to penalties. Huntsville counted 4 of their goals on the power play. The Huntsville side are not bad a team they showed some flashes of brilliance along the way . I think are way better than their 0-8 record.

The Gaels made those lineup changes tonight that coach Jason Crosbie promised as he sat a few regulars to make way for some reassigned Whitby Warriors players.  Zach Palmer and Alex Henderson were among some of the faces to grace the Gaels lineup tonight I guess that is the luxury of having an A and B program working together.

This was a strange game at best with no really exciting moments except the couple of scraps that had the fans on their feet. It is still early in the season when player movement is still the rage, as teams adjust to the influx of players from the college and prep school ranks making their way back home . It can only get more exciting, attend a game near you soon as the weather and races to the playoff wire heat up.

Boxscore

Green Gael player of the game #6 Dan Pogmore with Manager Paul Chamois

Green Gaels back on winning track after doubling Huntsville

Zach Palmer collects six points in 14-7 victory

Fri May 23, 2008 - By Brad Kelly, newsdurhamregion.com

BOWMANVILLE -- The losing streak is over.

While it wasn't much of a streak, lasting just one game, the Clarington Green Gaels managed to get back on track against the Huntsville Hawks, earning an easy 14-7 victory in Jr. B lacrosse action Thursday night at the Recreation Complex. The victory starts another streak for the Green Gaels, who had their 32 game regular season winning streak that dated back to 2006 snapped last week with a 6-4 loss to the Barrie Tornado.

Coach Jason Crosbie vowed that changes would be made, and they were. Three players from the Whitby Warriors Jr. A club were sent down and two players were elevated from the Whitby Intermediates, forcing three regulars to watch from the stands as healthy scratches...

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

Green Gaels 'embarrassed' by first loss of season

Head coach Jason Crosbie vows changes to roster

Fri May 16, 2008 - By Brad Kelly

BOWMANVILLE -- The Clarington Green Gaels don't take losing lightly.

For the first time in 32 OLA Jr. B regular season games, the Green Gaels came out on the wrong end of a final score, dropping a 6-4 decision to the Barrie Tornado on Thursday night in Bowmanville at the Recreation Complex. The streak, that dated back to 2006, included seven wins in a row this season, a perfect 20 in 2007 and five to finish out the 2006 regular season.

Despite still sporting an impressive 7-1-0 mark this season, head coach Jason Crosbie was seething after the game, categorizing the loss as 'embarrassing' and vowing that changes will be made. He didn't hold anything back as he vented his frustration...

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

Gaels in tough

Ron Messer, Green Gaels PR
The Barrie Tornado on the strength of 5 power play goals handed the Gaels their first loss of the young season 6-4. Barrie's goaltender Abrams stood tall in the nets for the visitors, turning aside many quality shots by the Green Guys.  For this he was awarded the Whitby Trophy House MVP award for the Tornado. Chris Cudmore received the nod for the Gaels.

The homeside found themselves short for most of the game due to many calls for just being plain agressive on the ball carrier. Barrie led most of the way after the first ended 2-2.  The parade to the penalty box was however just too much for the Gaels to overcome as they dropped their first of the season but remain atop the east with a 7-1 record.

The Gaels have a week to prepare before the Huntsville Hawks come to town next Thursday the 22nd at 8pm.   Boxscore

Ugly is getting the Job done for Serville

BOWMANVILLE -- A year ago, Ryan Serville failed to register a point with the Clarington Green Gaels.

But there is a catch. The Pickering resident was used for just one game, as a callup to help fill a hole.

This season he has vaulted from the bottom of the stats sheet to the top, leading the undefeated Green Gaels, who take their perfect 6-0-0 record into Barrie tonight to face the 5-0-0 Tornadoes. The same two teams complete a home-and-home Thursday in Bowmanville at 8 p.m.

The fact that Serville is leading the way offensively for the lacrosse club with 11-20-31 numbers, and is third overall in the OLA Jr. B league, comes as no surprise to head coach Jason Crosbie.

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

Gaels over Halton in a barn-burner 11-10

Ron Messer - Green Gael PR

A playoff sized crowd was treated to an amazing display of athleticism and skill this evening as the Gaels outlasted Halton Hills to win by one. Rookie Ryan Serville led all scorers on the night with a 4 goal 4 assist performance,he was followed by Mike Mc Cusker with 2 and 2. The Dawgs had 7 different players score tonight. Mike Licata and Kyle Davis both had 4 points from 2 goals and a couple of helpers for the visitors.

The game was a see saw battle that had the crowd on the edge of their seats in what I heard one fan say was akin to a late season atmosphere. The lead changed hands no less than 6 times before the Gaels moved past the visitors late in the third period only to see the Dawgs claw back almost forcing OT.

Wiswell and Hiltz handled the game with great skill doling out only 6 minors and letting the players decide the outcome. The Gaels doubled up on the ball carrier all night forcing the Dawgs into turnovers resulting in a number of chances for the Gaels. The Haltons were full measure on defense forcing the Gaels into many outside low percentage shots.

This was a great game for the fans and must have been a lot of fun to be a player in tonight. A big thumbs up to both organisations for putting on such a great show for the fans in the building . Gaels face the barrie Tornado next Thursday at home.

Box Score
Gallery Shots
From Durham News: Close win just what the Green Gaels needed
From Durham News: Strong test awaits Green Gaels

Third period surge lifts Green Gaels to fourth win

Josh Merzbacher scores four times

BOWMANVILLE -- The Clarington Green Gaels are forming a couple of habits early on in the OLA Jr. B lacrosse season.

The fact they are 4-0 this season isn't something new to the organization, which prides itself on winning and has done its fair share of it over the years. Look no further back than a year ago when they ran the table in the regular season, going a perfect 20-0-0.

The second habit has been established on their home floor, where they flirt with the opposition for two periods before absolutely dominating the final 20 minutes, producing a lopsided victory.

Both of those habits came out of Thursday's game against the Markham Ironheads. The Green Gaels carried a 5-4 lead into the third period, but scored seven unanswered, one short-handed, in what turned out to be a 12-4 route...

Read the rest of this Brad Kelly story from News Durham Region Sports

Gallery Images from May 1st versus Markham Ironheads

Higgins is an old man on a young team

Courtice goalie considered a veteran with Green Gaels

BOWMANVILLE -- Zach Higgins went from being a kid to an old man in the matter of one year. But he would argue that point.

"It still feels like I'm really young," laughed the netminder at the situation he finds himself in with the Clarington Green Gaels Jr. B lacrosse club.

Last season, on a veteran squad, he was a rookie and a young one at that, at just 16 years of age. This season, with an entirely new roster on the floor, he has gone from rookie to veteran without the conventional stop in between of a couple of seasons that most players enjoy.

"It's just my second year, but I'm supposed to be a veteran. I'm only 17, so taking a leadership role is new to me and I have to learn to do that still," he said.

Read the rest of this Brad Kelly story from News Durham Region Sports

Gallery Images from the Season Opener

It’s all good for the Green Gaels

Clarington posts 15-3 win over Mississauga in season opener

Fri Apr 25, 2008 - by Brad Kelly

BOWMANVILLE -- The course that may have been charted out in the early going for the Clarington Green Gaels has already changed its path.

A convincing 15-3 win over the Mississauga Tomahawks in Jr. B lacrosse Thursday night at the Recreation Complex certainly made a statement and raised a few eyebrows.

“It was a surprising start tonight,” said coach Jason Crosbie following the game. “I know (assistant coach) Jonas (Derks) mentioned in the paper that if we lose a couple of games early that’s all right, that it’s not really going to hurt us.

“Last year we went 29 and oh and lost the last three. We want to win the last three this year.”

Read the rest of this Brad Kelly story from News Durham Region Sports

Photos courtesy of Brian Drew

Green Gaels not getting any older

Young lineup expected on the floor for Thursday's home opener

Wednesday, April 22, 2008, by Brad Kelly
In fact, if assistant coach Jonas Derks has his way, the streak would end tomorrow night. BOWMANVILLE -- It may not take the Clarington Green Gaels long to make the perfect regular season of a year ago a distant memory.  

That's when the Green Gaels open the Jr. B lacrosse season against Mississauga, with opening faceoff at 8 p.m. at the Recreation Complex.

It's not so much that Derks is wishing the worst on his team, but rather, he would like to see this season end in reverse of the one a year ago. Last season, the club went 20-0-0 in the regular season, but lost the last three games of the year, swept by Six Nations in three straight in the league championship.

Read the rest of this Brad Kelly story from News Durham Region Sports


Green Gaels a week away...
Wednesday, April 15, 2008

BOWMANVILLE -- Last year, the Clarington Green Gaels used an exclamation mark to punctuate their season, going 20-0 and then advancing to the league finals.

This season, at least right now anyway, there are more question marks than anything else.

The Green Gaels hit the floor on Saturday for their annual mini-tournament to help distinguish those who have a chance at making the roster from the rest of the wannabes. A split squad played games against a Newmarket entry and another including a mixture of Whitby Warriors, Green Gaels and Intermediate aged players. While the number of bodies remaining in camp was shaved from more than 50 to a more workable 34 for last night's Green and White game (after our deadline), the Jr. B lacrosse club is still waiting to see how the composition of the roster will be finalized...

Read the rest of this Brad Kelly story from News Durham Region Sports

2008 Green Gael Classic

The 2008 version of the Green Gael Classic was played on Saturday, April 12th.  Starting at 9 AM, 4 teams played 5 games in succession with the final game ending shortly after 4 PM.  The Green Gaels, Whitby Juniors and Newmarket Saints use this tournament to get a look at players in training camp.

The tournament kicked off with a spirited game between the Green Gaels Green & White squads.  After taking a 6 goal lead into the third period, the Green team had to hold off a late White surge to win 7-6.

The second game saw Whitby outscore the Saints 5-1 in the third to take the game 10-6.

White and Green were back at it again in game three.  This time the teams traded goals throughout the game with the lead changing hands several times, but the game ultimately ended knotted 9-9.

The Newmarket Saints played the last two contests of the day, winning 8-7 over Whitby and 7-5 over the Green team.

Congratulations to all the players than attended a successful Green Gaels camp this year.  The final training camp game - the annual Green & White Game, will be played Tuesday night, April 15th at the Garnet Rickard Arena.  Game time is 8 PM and the cost of admission is a donation to the food bank or a 50/50 ticket.

Game photos from the Gallery


A few tidbits about things so far...

 - the 2008 schedule has been posted.  Use the link above...

 - The Clarington Green Gaels would like to announce that their 2008 Ad campaign is "Keep it Green " as we encourage our fans to adopt a greener lifestyle by reusing, reducing and recycling. Contact the P/ R office at the number listed below for information about the Clarington Green Gaels..  

Ron Messer (905) 433-1443

 - The Clarington Green Gaels would like to invite the general public as well as all our friends in the media to the Monday March 24th Training Camp session at the Salem Soccer Centre located at the Carruthers Creek Golf Course at 730 PM. Carruthers Creek is located at 650 Lake Ridge Rd in Ajax.  Contact them at 905- 426 GOLF (4623).   Players, coaching staff and team officials will be available for interviews on that night.