The Peterborough Timbermen head into this weekend’s Arena Lacrosse League preseason tournament looking to curate a roster that can improve the team’s record in their third year.
The Timbermen have yet to put together a winning season but a refocus on a team-first atmosphere in 2019 has the team heading into the season on a hopeful note. The league’s new affiliation with the NLL immediately brought a surge of energy to the players as they now understand that pro scouts will be keeping close eyes on their development as they strive to make it to the next level.
Head coach and general manager Joe Sullivan said that he has already had NLL scouts let him know they’ll be watching his players.
“We want to develop young players to reach their full potential,” Sullivan stated. “In doing this we will meet the needs of the NLL which is the end goal for players and the ALL alike. I feel that developing players in a team-first atmosphere surrounded by high levels of commitment and structure will make us the best organization we can be. We will treat our committed players with the utmost standard of professionalism and expect the same from them on and off the floor so that there is no culture shock for them should they be awarded the opportunity to participate in the NLL.”
The Timbermen play two exhibition games on Saturday afternoon at Children’s Arena versus Oshawa and Whitby, their closes rivals. The coaching staff will be looking not only for skill, but also leadership capability and a high level of commitment.
“We have a great group of veterans in Tim Bergin, Brett Perras, Joe Hall and Riley Campbell that I know will take the young players like Grant Scott, Ethan Woods, Nick Damude and Tanner Poole to new levels,” Sullivan said. “Players like Doug Utting, Colton Armstrong and Mark Vradenburg have attended NLL camps and truly understand what is needed and expected of a player at the next level.”
The Timbermen will retain their Peterborough identity though they were unable to secure any dates at the Memorial Centre this season and will play all seven home games at Children’s Arena in Oshawa, which they share with both the Outlaws and Steelhawks. A good core of Peterborough born or affiliated players is expected to highlight the roster once again.
The Timbermen drafted 13 players on December 1st in the league’s third annual entry draft:
- D Austin Divitcos
- T Zach Bryant
- T Tanner Poole
- G Ethan Woods
- D Tyler Gaulton
- D Ethan Riggs
- G Nick Damude
- Thomas Ribarich
- D Matt Fountain
- G Drayden Patey
- O Cameron Simpson
- D Lyman Beatty
- T Marc Stanton
In addition to their recent draft picks, the Timbermen also signed three free agents: forward Ty Thompson, who starred for Albany and is a cousin of the NLL’s Thompson brothers, forward Aaron Woods of the Carleton Ravens, and goaltender Jake Lazore from the St. Regis Braves.
The Timbermen open their season on the road on December 29th at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Six Nations before hosting the Toronto Monarchs on January 5th at Children’s Arena.
