Friday, April 22, 2016 4:28:10 EDT PM
The St. Catharines Spartans begin their 2016 season Sunday at home
The St. Catharines Spartans have high hopes heading into the 2016 Ontario Lacrosse Association junior B season.
Coming off a 10-10 campaign and first-round loss to Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Spartans are hopeful of taking the next step this season.
“We have a lot of talent, we just have to put it all together and see where it goes,” Spartans general manager Chris Spiers said. “I don’t think anytime in junior B is a rebuild because we are a development team for the junior A’s.
“I’m going to tell you the same thing I tell you every year, we want to win the Founders Cup.”
The Spartans kick off the 2016 season Sunday at home when they play host to the Welland Generals. Game time at Merritton Arena is 7 p.m.
The Spartans appear set in goal with the return of starter David Herkimer and newcomer E’has Wilson from Seneca, N.Y.
“We are happy there,” Spiers said.
On defence, big Parker Baile (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) has been added to go along with rookie Owen Friesen, Ian Potter, Luke Stevens, Luke McLeod and Connor Smith.
Returning veterans Cree Blakely, Elliott McKibbon, Brian Hancock (who missed last season) and Chris Robertson will anchor the offence.
Spiers feels the club’s athleticism will come into play.
“Our transition game will surprise a lot of teams. We have a really quick team,” he said.
As well, Spiers said the coaching staff, which includes returning head coach Rob McKibbon, have been pleased with the effort and attitude thus far.
“We work hard and listen. It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s been refreshing to have this group with what we’ve been able to start off with.
“We have a lot of younger kids.”
2016 Roster
Goalies: David Herkimer, E’has Wilson.
Runners: Parker Baile, Elliott McKibbon, Cree Blakely, Ian Potter, Owen Friesen, Luke Stevens, Kealan Pilon, Andrew Somerville, Luke McLeod, Bailey Fournier-Higgins, Blake Halliday, Marshall Stevens, Jacob Edmands, Ryan McGuire, Jason Sawicki, Cole Martin, Connor Smith, John Andrew Kit, Walker Allen, Colton DeWolfe, Mack Unyi.
Coaching staff: Head coach: Rob McKibbon; Assistants: Keith McLeod, John Edgar. Goalie coach: Graeme Kirkness; Conditioning coach: Chris Rennie; Trainers: Kelsie Stunden/Ally Puhach.
Main sponsor: Olee’s Ale House.
