Brooklin Redmen keep it close sans Williams

WHITBY-- The first game of the post-Shawn Williams era didn't go so badly for the Brooklin Redmen.

No, they didn't win, but they did manage to keep it close, losing 9-7 to the always strong Peterborough Lakers Wednesday at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre.

It was the first game for the Redmen since dealing captain Williams to the Brampton Excelsiors in a Major Series Lacrosse blockbuster that saw four first-round draft picks come back.

Steve Hutchins helped get the Redmen off to a quick start, scoring the game's first two goals as the home side built a 3-0 lead by the 6:09 mark.

But the Lakers narrowed the gap to 4-2 by the end of the first period, took a 6-5 lead through two and built it to 8-5 early in the third.

Derek Hopcroft led the Redmen with a goal and four assists, and also got into a fight. Scott Campbell, Wes McDonald, Matt Taylor and Kyle Buchanan scored the other Brooklin goals, while goalie Kurtis Wagar was solid in defeat.

The Redmen (2-10) head to Barrie tonight tied with the Lakeshores (2-9) for the final playoff spot.