Junior B Athletics top Mohawks in OT
Colton Armitage is rising to the occasion for the St. Catharines WMKL junior B Athletics.
The 19-year-old had a strong season for the Athletics with 14 goals and 29 points in 16 regular season games but has really upped his production in the post-season.
“Now is the real season to me and this is what matters,” the Governor Simcoe graduate said. “It’s do or die so you have to put it all on the floor and work your hardest every game.”
Armitage scored once Friday and now has 15 goals in only eight post season games as the A’s defeated the Elora Mohawks 11-9 in overtime at Canada Games Park to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five Ontario Lacrosse Association Western Conference semifinal series.
Game 3 is Tuesday, July 11 at Elora. Game 4, if necessary, will be Friday, July 14 at Canada Games Park.
Athletics coach Alec Tamas said Armitage is playing his best lacrosse of the season.
“He’s seems to have really found his stride here in the playoffs,” Tamas said. “He seems to be peaking at the right time. He’s filling the net for us.
“He’s probably our early runner for MVP for playoffs right now. He’s been a huge factor for us.”
Tamas feels Armitage’s output is a result of both hard work and natural ability.
“A lot of it has to do with his strength and conditioning,” he said. “He’s fast. He’s arguably the fastest player in junior B. He can run forever. Not many can keep up with him physically or from a speed standpoint. He can get underneath or over the top. He can beat guys either way.
“He’s an incredible athlete and he’s an incredible leader too. He’s got goal scoring ability not many in junior B have.”
Armitage said there is no secret to his success.
“I just build my confidence and take the ball to the net and try and get it in there,” he said. “It’s just getting to the right spots on the floor and shooting into the open net.”
Armitage said he has always been blessed with the ability to motor.
“I’ve always been a quicker kid but being confident with the ball and taking it to the net or carrying it up high and getting a good shot from outside has helped a lot,” he said.
Armitage won an Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) gold medal with the Redcoats field lacrosse team and is looking to suit up for the Brock Badgers this fall where he is majoring in physical education.
Armitage also played six games at the junior A level for the A’s this season, scoring seven goals and 13 points and is hoping to make the jump up full time next year.
Ari Steenhuis had two goals for the A’s while Ryan Andrews, Jaden Patterson, Jack Parker, Trent Mooradian, Levi Roest, Ian Kohut, Drew Kenney and Cody MacNeil added singles.
Owen Moore and Keegan Detweiler had two each for Elora. Riley Woods, Carter Coffey, Brinley Wilson, Trae Verbeek and Connor Willmets rounded out the scoring.
The game was tied 8-8 after regulation.
The series is a rematch from last season that saw the Mohawks sweep the set 3-0.
“There’s been some bad blood between us the last couple of years,” Tamas said. “It’s an exciting matchup and an exciting time. Not many teams are at the rink anymore. It’s always nice to extend your season and hang out with 25 or 30 of your best friends all summer long.”
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