CALGARY, AB — Despite a slow week from Calgary Roughnecks players in the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) League, three have found their way into the playoffs.
In two games, both losses, Tyson Bell played his usual brand of tough, hard-nosed defence while counting one assist. The Brampton Excelsiors finished the season second to last in the MSL with a 3-15 record.
After being taken third overall in the 2016 MSL Draft, Bell proved that he was worthy of the pick by having a very successful rookie season, despite the lack of team success. The lefty defenceman registered seven goals, five assists, and 54 penalty minutes in 15 games for the Excelsiors.
Things were a bit brighter in Oakville.
The Rock, led by Wesley Berg and Dan MacRae, helped earn the franchise’s first-ever winning record. Their 10-7 mark was good enough to propel them into the playoffs for the first time.
Unfortunately, Oakville is heading into the playoffs after losing the final two games of their season. Between the two Roughnecks, Berg and MacRae managed only a single assist in the two games.
And although Berg did not score a goal, he finished the year as the MSL’s leading goal scorer with 32, beating out players like Cory Vitarelli, Randy Staats, Adam Jones, and more for the coveted top spot.
MacRae, who moved from last years’ Mann Cup Champion Victoria Shamrocks to the Rock this summer, was a very valuable part of the Oakville defence and transition units. The veteran suited up for 15 games this summer and netter five goals and six assists, while only recording eight penalty minutes.
In Brooklin, Roughnecks rookie Reilly O’Connor has had a strong showing in seven games this summer. The lefty dished out 17 assists to go along with four goals, giving him an average of three points-per-game.
With the playoffs coming up, Berg, O’Connor, and MacRae will be representing the Roughnecks in the MSL who will be looking to earn a spot in the Mann Cup.
The Rock will be in tough in the first round as they will face the powerhouse Peterborough Lakers. The Redmen, meanwhile, will be the favourite to beat the Six Nations Chiefs. Although, the Chiefs are not a team to be taken lightly, so it will be a tough battle to earn a spot in the Final.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Oakville Rock vs. Peterborough Lakers — Aug. 2nd
Six Nations Chiefs vs. Brooklin Redmen — Aug. 3rd
Peterborough Lakers vs. Oakville Rock — Aug. 5th
Brooklin Redmen vs. Six Nations Chiefs — Aug. 6th
STANDINGS
Teams Win Loss Tie Points
Peterborough Lakers 14 3 1 29
Brooklin Redmen 12 5 1 25
Six Nations Chiefs 11 5 2 24
Oakville Rock 10 7 1 21
Brampton Excelsiors 3 15 0 6
Cobourg Kodiaks 1 16 1 3
