Jun 18, 2009 - 03:28 PM

By Brian McNair

WHITBY -- The Brooklin Redmen simply don't have the kind of consistent firepower to compete with the best in Major Series Lacrosse right now.

So said Peter Vipond, the team's coach, a day after watching his club score a season-high 12 goals Wednesday against the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks, but none in overtime of a 15-12 defeat.

"They have some guys who can really finish well and in the overtime, give them credit, they finished, we didn't," Vipond said. "We're challenged to score goals, there's no question. It's something that has to be addressed -- it's not going to happen tomorrow -- but it has to be addressed over the next few years. We need some more people who can put the ball down consistently."

Captain Shawn Williams is the lone exception, as he had another fine outing with three goals and two assists Wednesday, giving him 16-23-39 numbers through eight games, second best in the league.

But the supplemental scoring seems to come and go. Kyle O'Brien chipped in with a hat trick Wednesday, but had only one tally in six previous games. Steve Hutchins added a pair, while Bob McBride and Derek Hopcroft had a goal and three helpers each for the Redmen. Brooklin scored the game's final four goals to force OT.

At the other end, the Kodiaks were led by a five-goal, three-assist effort from Brenden Thenhaus and a three-goal, six-point night from Corey Small, including two goals in the extra frame.

With the Redmen at 2-6 heading into Thursday's game in Brampton, Vipond admitted the main goal is to stay ahead of the Barrie Lakeshores (1-6) and thus make the playoffs.

As for addressing the lack of scoring touch, he's not counting on getting any of the players currently playing on Major League Lacrosse field teams, a list that includes snipers Gavin Prout, Zack Greer and Jeff Zywicki.

"I wouldn't say so. I think that's pie in the sky," said Vipond, looking instead at building the team through drafts and local graduating juniors. "It's a slow process and we're just going to have to be patient."

The Redmen are in Kitchener-Waterloo for a return date with the Kodiaks Sunday before hosting Brampton next Wednesday, 8 p.m. at Iroquois Park.