Trent Lacrosse Kick-off sixth season

Trent Excalibur Men’s Lacrosse Team Kick-off Sixth Season.

Friday, September 7th, 2012

Trent and the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) begin the season, this Saturday at Queen’s University, for the Opening Showcase. Trent will play their longtime rival, the McGill Red Men at 2 PM. The event will bring all of the eastern teams to faceoff at one location.

Trent will return home Sunday to host the 2011 CUFLA champion Bishop Gaiters, in what many are calling the breakfast battle. As game time is set for 9:30 AM. Come bright and early to Trent’s Justin Chiu Stadium.

“Beginning the weekend against the top two teams from last year is big,” said Trent head coach Geoff McKinley. Trent is 5-3 all time versus McGill, but narrowly lost to them in last year’s home opener. “It came down to a last play,” said McKinley.  “We had a time out, we drew up a play and we got the shot we wanted but it just missed.”

This is a big season for Trent; they are hosting the CUFLA National Baggataway Cup Nov 2-4 and receive an automatic bid into the tournament.

“We don’t want to take the back door into the tournament,” said McKinley.  “We want to compete every game.”

The Excalibur held training camp a week early this season and McKinley could see the difference already. “We’re gelling,” he said. “

“We had the chance to scrimmage with the Ontario Under 19’s and I am seeing a lot of positives.”

Recruiting was a focus this off-season and their hard work has paid off with a dynamic group of freshmen and some veteran leadership from Clarke Robinson and Tyler Tanguy, two players taking teachers college and have experience playing at the University level.

“Leadership is up this year,” said McKinley. “We have some guys with experience and know what it takes to win. They will help the younger guys narrow their focus and reach our goal.”

Returning for the Excalibur is team captain and MVP Niall Caravello, who if fresh off a Minto Cup victory for his hometown Orangeville Northmem. Caravello was CUFLA’s 2011 midfielder of the year and lead the league with 33 assists & 11 goals in 10 games.

Kalvin Thomas is back in goal this season after sitting out a year. The two-time most outstanding goalie will be a major presence in the defensive end.

Jon Hiltz will return to an offensive role thus season. Hiltz lead the team in scoring two season ago in his rookie campaign.

Second year Josh Gilray will be looked too in helping control the offence and put up points.

Re-joining McKinley on the bench this season is Mike Temple and Josh Wasson-McQuigge. Dan Carey has joined the staff this year and brings years of playing and coaching experience.