John Grant, Jr. hurt his knee in Game 2 of the Mann Cup. (www.coloradomammoth.com)
The Langley Thunder beat the host Peterborough Lakers 15-14 in overtime Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the Mann Cup, but that was almost a secondary story at the best-of-seven Senior A box lacrosse Canadian championships.
Peterborough star John Grant, Jr., one of the game’s great players, suffered a knee injury in the third period and various reports had him going to the hospital.
Here’s the story from the Peterborough Examiner.
Game 3 is Monday in Peterborough and Langley coach Rod Jensen said over the phone that he’ll prep his crew like Grant is going to play. Grant does have a history of knee injuries.
Jensen also said that his group wasn’t getting ahead of itself, even though a B.C. team hasn’t won a Mann Cup series on Ontario soil since the 1986 New Westminster Salmonbellies.
“Our guys are zoned in right now,” said Jensen.
Garrett Billings led the charge with three goals and 10 points. Athan Iannucci counted four goals and seven points, Joel McCready had three goals and five points and Lewis Ratcliff put up two goals and five points. Jensen also raved about goaltender Brodie MacDonald, who made 39 saves.
Cory Vitarelli led Peterborough with four goals and five points. Grant had two goals and three points before he left. Tyler Carlson made 26 saves in the Peterborough net.
Peterborough’s back-up goalie is Kevin Croswell, a former member of the Thunder. It’ll be interesting to see if the Lakers give him a try.
