Joe Sullivan’s voice was calm and nonchalant during the 2019 Arena Lacrosse League draft, as he announced that the Peterborough Timbermen were taking Landon Kells in the fifth round, but inside the excitement grew, knowing he’d gotten the best goalie in the draft.
Kells is quickly becoming one of Peterborough’s favourite sons, even though he actually hails from Fergus. The just-turned 19-year-old was the starter for the Jr. A Lakers in 2019, playing 1160 minutes with a 6-14 record for a non -playoff team. That record improves to 31-26 over the course of his junior career with the Elora Mohawks, where he led the team to a Founder’s Cup win in 2018.
He was pretty happy to hear that he’d be staying in the Peterborough lacrosse system.
“It’s a nice fit because I’m there all summer and know the area well and know some of the guys on the team. Coming in and connecting with the boys will be super easy,” he said.
Kells was also on the bench for a handful of senior Lakers’ games backing up either Mike Poulin or Matt Vinc. Though he didn’t see any floor time, the Lakers were confident enough to bring him along to Victoria as Poulin’s backup for the whole Mann Cup series.
His play this summer caught the eyes of the Calgary Roughnecks, who drafted him in the third round. He’s currently on their practice roster, which allows him to be primarily with the Timbermen where he can continue to develop.
“We’ve said up front that he’s going to be our starter, he’s going to be the guy that’s going to play,” said Sullivan.
With both Nick Damude and Ethan Woods making NLL active rosters, the Timbermen had to find two new goalies. Sixth-round pick Troi Benedict out of Akwesasne and free agent Marko Ćelić will serve as Kells’ support this season.
“I hope to bring some steady goaltending to the team and do my part in hopefully winning lots of games this season and accomplishing our team’s goals throughout the season,” Kells said.
Kells faced a lot of rubber as the Timbermen found themselves shorthanded 12 times throughout their first game, a 16-15 win over the Oshawa Outlaws.
Returning defenseman Shane Francis said the guys are already confident in the young goalie.
“We listen to him. He’s our quarterback and as long as he’s happy we’ll he happy.”
Sullivan wants Kells to start to communicate more on the back end and start to direct the traffic in front of him.
“One of the big things for him is he’s got to be a communicator on the floor,” the coach explained. “Essentially like the quarterback of our defense. That’s when goalies truly get the respect of their players is when they’re vocal and they direct traffic.”
Kells is looking forward to Saturday’s home opener in Millbrook.
“I’m excited to hear that we have our own barn because it can bring an edge when it comes to game time. Visitors will be intimidated by coming into the lacrosse atmosphere we have in Peterborough.”
Tickets will be sold at the door. $10 for adults and $5 for children under 14.
