Spartans on the move
Spartans head coach and general manager Chris Spiers. Photo by: BILL POTRECZ
It’s been anything but a normal off season for the Spartans junior B lacrosse team.
The organization not only had to make an unexpected adjustment at the management level when new general manager Dave Colbourne wasn’t able to fulfil his obligation, but also had to find a new home.
The Spartans — they are dropping the “St. Catharines” for now — will play the 2019 Ontario Lacrosse Association junior B season out of Thorold Arena after spending decades at Merritton Arena.
The move was necessitated when the availability of their former home came into question.
“We looked around the city and it was dead end after dead end,” Spartans head coach/general manager Chris Spiers said.
Acting on the recommendation of the parent of one of the players, Spiers checked out the Thorold Arena and was quickly convinced it would be an ideal place to move the team.
“We came and did a tour and thought it would work,” said Spiers, who is in his 19th year with the club. “Realistically, it’s five minutes from where we played.
“Merritton is a place where we had a lot of success and were treated well by the staff there, but this is just a grander home.
“I like it. It’s a bigger and grander home, and the kids all love it.”
Spiers said both the City of Thorold and Blackhawks owner Scott Barnes have welcomed the team with open arms.
“The price is right and they treat you really well,” he said. “The Blackhawks talked to us about their room and we jumped on that.
“Everyone has been really good.”
Spiers hinted the Spartans aren’t necessarily heading back to Merritton next season.
“We’re not sure. It may take a little bit for people to get on board coming out, but I guess if you win, you attract people.”
The Spartans are coming off a mediocre 7-12-1 campaign in which they lost their first six games.
Spiers has high hopes he and his staff can turn things around.
“I have a great staff and I hope my years of being around can be a benefit,” he said.
The club is returning 19 players from last year’s squad.
“I think I say it every year. I book my holidays for the Founders (Cup) and I’m still doing it,” Spiers said. “I think it could be good.
“It comes down to Lady Luck and when you’re team gets on that roll, to stick with it. Hopefully, that works with us.”
Spiers said he plans a calmer approach than previous regimes.
“We’ve explained to the kids it’s not going to be yelling and screaming. It’s going to be about working hard. If they play more, it’s because they’re playing well.
“It’s a little bit more of a laid back atmosphere, but when it comes to the games and practices, we work hard.”
The Spartans open the season Saturday in London followed by a home game Sunday at 7 p.m.
Roster
Bobby Morrison, Austin Paddy, Owen Bachelor, Jake Orr, Daniel Kennedy, Liam Scott, John Andrew Kit, Jacob McMillan, Sam LeClair, Tyler Kolodka, Blair Pachereva, Aaron Ward, Blake Halliday, Carter Geoffroy, Jacob Edmands, Nick Gicante, Ben Katzman, MacGregor Allen, Reid Edmands, Duncan Belliveau, Peyton McIntosh, Connor Aquanno, Alex Gaston, James Ross, AP Lucas Briscall, AP Nathan Sneath.
Staff
General manager and head coach: Chris Spiers.
Assistant general manager/defensive coach: Mitch Hannigan.
Offensive coach: Justin Kennedy.
Athletic therapist: Carlo Cardelli.
Equipment manager: Sheldon Jackson.
Water technician: TJ Cickello.
Treasurer/registrar: Barb Spiers.
30 second shot clock: Rob Roy.
Game day music: Alex Rotundo.
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