Athletics gearing up
It has been a busy winter for the St. Catharines Athletics.
A’s general manager Jeff Chcoski has brought in a couple of new players as well as adding another member to the coaching staff.
Chcoski picked up forwards Tyler Brown, 20, from the Akwesasne junior B Indians and Riley Curtis, 21, from the Peterborough Lakers. Curtis plays at Denver University with A’s sniper Alex Simmons.
“They are two lefties that are going to give us some depth and experience,” Chcoski said.
The A’s don’t need to make any major changes to the roster after losing only Jeff Wittig, Alec Tamas and Logan Monroe to graduation.
“Two of those (Wittig, Tamas) are pretty big cogs,” Chcoski said.
The rest of the squad, which placed third last season with a solid 13-7 record and won a round in the playoffs, are slated to return.
With so many high-calibre players back, the A’s expect another climb in the standings.
“We’re going to keep with the curve. Obviously expectations of us are a little higher this year, but we look forward to the challenge,” Chcoski said. “We’re going to be very good, but the league is very competitive. It’s the best junior league in the world and we’re here to compete.”
Chcoski also confirmed the entire coaching staff — head coach Steve Toll and assistants Jason Pepin, Brad Favero, Ian Rubel and Rob Taylor — will be returning.
As well, Kenny (Mojo) Millin has been added as a co-offensive coach.
Millin, a 44-year-old native of Brampton who now teaches at Prince Philip Public School in Niagara Falls, won three Minto Cups in Orangeville, five National Lacrosse League titles in Toronto and Rochester, as well as a Mann Cup.
“He’s full of experience,” Chcoski said. “He played against Steve and with Steve on Toronto and Rochester teams.
“He’s a great fit.”
The A’s plan a pair of team runs Sunday, March 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 31 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Haig Bowl.
“I’m bringing in the midget team team that won Ontario championship and most of junior B team and some Welland players,” Chcoski said.
The A’s officially open camp Thursday, April 25.
They begin the 2019 Ontario Lacrosse Association junior A season Friday, May 17 at Brampton. Their home opener is Wednesday, May 22 versus Kitchener-Waterloo.
Home schedule
Wednesday, May 22 versus Kitchener, Waterloo, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 25 versus Burlington, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 29 versus Oakville, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 5 versus Mimico, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 8 versus Whitby, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 12 versus Six Nations, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19 versus Peterborough, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 26 versus Orangeville, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 3 versus Barrie, 7:30 p.m.
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