Brampton Excelsiors Go Back-To-Back In Win Over Whitby Warriors

PHOTO: SAM HOSSACK

Sometimes, a team just has another’s number. The Brampton Excelsiors set out Tuesday night to prove their 11-9 win at home on May 26 over the Whitby Warriors was no fluke, and had to do it at Iroquois Sports Park, a place the defending Minto Cup Champions have been nearly unbeatable. Brampton had to overcome nearly an entire period of shorthanded lacrosse in the third, but in the end held on for the 7-5 win.

Last season, Bowie Horsman led the Excelsiors with 55 points through 20 games, one of seven Brampton players to dress for the entire season. With his opening goal 22 seconds into the game on Tuesday, Horsman already surpassed his goal total from 2022 and is on pace for over 93 points. His goal was matched by Owen Tapper’s, and the score was tied 1-1 after the first.

Four different goal scorers hit the scoresheet for the Excelsiors in the second – Eric Ward, Dante Kulas, Erich Acton and Darcy Thompson (on the power play, in the final minute). Sandwiched between them, and near the middle of the period, was Lucas Littlejohn’s twenty-first of the season. He’s also already passed his 2022 totals for goals, assists and points (20 and 17 for 37). Brampton were up 5-2 heading into the final frame.

In the third period, Brampton took 10 minutes in minor penalties, three 10 minute misconducts and one major penalty. Those led to three power play goals (two from Gabriel Sorichetti), but also two shorthanded markers from Horsman and Kulas. All five goals in the final period were scored by special teams, which led the Excelsiors to a 7-5 victory and their first two-game win streak since the bubble season in 2021.

Connor O’Toole won his second consecutive start, stopping 39 of 44 shots. Dante Kulas and Bowie Horsman (2 goals, 1 assist each) led the Excelsiors attack, while Eric Ward added four points (1 goal, 3 assists).

Gabriel Sorichetti and Lucas Littlejohn (2 goals, 1 assist each) topped the Whitby scoresheet.

Whitby have a quick turnaround, heading to St Catharines (5-5) on Wednesday while the Excelsiors will be back at home Friday when they welcome the Peterborough Lakers (2-7).