Peterborough wins Major Series Lacrosse crown
Aug 30, 2007 - 04:07 PM
By Shawn Cayley
PETERBOROUGH -- Jason Crosbie couldn't think of a better way to go out.
As he entertains thoughts of ending his summer lacrosse career after this season, Crosbie, the Clarington resident and coach of the Jr.B Green Gaels, has one more shot at capturing another Mann Cup.
Crosbie and the Peterborough Lakers defeated the Brampton Excelsiors 12-8 Monday night to capture the 2007 Major Series Lacrosse championship, punching their ticket to the national championships in Coquitlam, B.C.
Already the owner of a pair of Mann Cup titles, one with the Brooklin Redmen, Crosbie is thrilled at the prospects of adding another.
"Being 32-years-old now, you only get so many chances," he said on Wednesday. "I've got two Mann Cups already but it is always nice to win and at least have a shot. I am probably going to retire (after) this year from summer ball, one of my goals was at least to give myself a shot at winning another Mann Cup."
And that he has done. Crosbie, who missed last year's Lakers' run recovering from reconstructive ankle surgery, chipped in with a goal and two helpers in the series clinching win over Brampton and posted 5-6-11 numbers all told during the six-game series.
Of course, playing with some of the sport's best went a long way in determining not only his personal success, but that of the Lakers.
"When you play with players likes John Grant, Dan Carey, Tracy Keluskey, it was like playing back in the 2000 Mann Cup with Willy and Gavin," said Crosbie in reflection of winning seven years ago alongside the likes of Shawn Williams and Gavin Prout. "When you are surrounded by good people like that you're always going to end up producing something. It's fun."
What hasn't been fun for Crosbie however, is the constant reminder of the Green Gaels' failed attempt at a Founders Cup championship this season.
He says making the trip west now relieves a little of the sting, but it still doesn't change anything.
"I have to say that it is just totally different. Over the whole year I separated my playing from my coaching. It's hard to do, but I tried my best," he remarks. "Those are two different things. Will it take out the sting? Does it take the sting away from the 25 kids that didn't get to go? I don't think so. They wanted to go as bad as I want to go now. Personally it's satisfying to get the chance to go, but I still feel kind of like we missed out a little bit."
The Mann Cup tournament begins on Sept. 7 and runs through to Sept. 15.
Four other former Redmen in Ryan Sharp, Pat O'Toole, Derek Collins and Darryl Gibson also play for the Lakers.
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