Thunderhawks wrap up season this weekend at home beginning Friday

With the St. Catharines Jr. B and Jr. A teams both losing their respective playoff rounds this weekend, the U22 Thunderhawks are now the last game in town for those interested in watching a local box lacrosse game. 

The Jr. A Athletics had three Thunderhawks alumni playing for them this season, Michael Wilson, Reid Lowe and Nathan Fehr were all defensive specialists for the Athletics. This seasons sees Wilson and Lowe finish their junior careers with the A’s, as Fehr, initially playing for the B’s, was called up half way through the season to become a regular with the A’s. The A’s lost the three out of five series against the Whitby Warriors in the first round of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League playoffs.

The Jr. B Athletics were playing the Elora Mohawks in the second round of the league playoffs after defeating their first matchup with the Guelph Regals. The Jr B’s had one full time Thunderhawks Alumni, Jaden Patterson, earning the second leading scoring position with the Athletics,  along with four U22 Thunderhawks who regularly played up to fill the Athletics roster.  

Trent Hunter, the Thunderhawks’ assistant captain, and Christian Blaylock were regulars at the defensive door for the Athletics during their playoff run. Jack Parker and Liam Dietsch also had regular showings with the B’s at the offensive door, becoming the sixth and ninth leading scorers respectively during the Athletics playoff run.  

Ethan Williams, Hunter Ostromecki and Jordan Wiens were other Thunderhawks who played a role in the Athletics regular season roster, all getting a taste of what could be a spot for the Athletics in the 2023 roster.

All the U22 Thunderhawks can be seen one last time at the MCU arena as they participate in the Conradi U22 Tournament. The Conradi has been the largest U22 tournament in the province for a few decades and has often been referred to as the real provincial championship of U22.  The tournament attracts 16 teams — most tournaments only have four teams — from all over Ontario. This year sees the top six teams in the province participating. It also is held during a weekend, allowing most players to attend the tournament, unlike the provincial championships which are held mid-week, often difficult for players to get time off, in some cases from their full-time jobs.  

The U22 Thunderhawks can be seen July 22 at 7 p.m. as they take on Owen Sound; July 23 at 9 a.m., vs Kawartha Lakes; 2 p.m. vs Sudbury; and 10 p.m. vs a yet to be determined opponent.  Winning this late semi-final game will give them the opportunity to compete in the ‘A’ championship, Sunday 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Come watch before they’re gone! Go Thunderhawks!