The Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers selected five promising young players at yesterday’s Ontario Junior Lacrosse League (OJLL) draft.
In the first round, with the 2nd overall pick, the Lakers secured goaltender Waukiigan Shognosh from the Wallaceburg Griffins. Shognosh helped Team Ontario win gold at the Canadian U17 boys box lacrosse championship last summer in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Peterborough also had the 3rd overall pick, choosing offensive star Zachary McLean from the Gloucester Griffins. McLean had 71 points in 23 games with the Griffins last season.
The Lakers then swung a deal with the Six Nations Arrows to acquire the 5th and 16th picks in exchanging for their 13th pick and a first-round selection in 2025. With that 5th overall pick, the Lakers welcomed Mason Cree from the Akwesasne Storm. Cree was also a member of the Team Ontario U17 team that won gold last year in Saskatchewan.
Moving into the second round, with the 12th overall pick, Peterborough selected Matthew Ford from the Milton Mavericks. Ford is another offensive powerhouse, putting up 88 points in 27 games last season for the Mavericks.
With their final pick of the draft, 16th overall, the Lakers selected Adam Trumble of the Orillia Kings. Trumble is a talented multi-sport athlete who played three varsity sports (hockey, football and lacrosse) at Culver Military Academy last year.
The Lakers five selections are anticipated to bolster their roster at both ends of the floor as the team looks to bounce back from a 4-16 record in 2023.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
