The Cobourg Kodiaks built a commanding early lead, then survived a late Brampton comeback to earn a 13-11 victory over the Excelsiors in Major Series Lacrosse action Thursday night.
Alex Marinier and Jason Knox each scored four goals as the Kodiaks improved to 9-5 on the season.
Cobourg took control early, scoring five unanswered goals after Brampton’s lone first-period marker. Marinier recorded a natural hat trick in the opening frame, while Shane Halliwell and Knox also found the scoresheet to give the visitors a 5-1 lead after 20 minutes.
The Kodiaks extended their advantage in the second period with goals from Aaron Woods and Marinier before Brampton responded with three goals. Knox restored Cobourg’s momentum with his second of the night, sending the visitors into the third period with an 8-4 lead.
Cobourg appeared in full control after Woods and Andrew Vradenburg scored in the opening minute of the third period to stretch the lead to six.
The Excelsiors mounted a furious comeback, scoring seven times in the final period behind Mike Triolo, Curtis Ward and Thomas McConvey, cutting the deficit to two in the closing minute.
However, every Brampton surge was answered by the Kodiaks. Halliwell added his second goal of the game, while Knox completed his four-goal performance to help Cobourg secure the win.
Aaron Woods finished with two goals and two assists, while Halliwell scored twice. Brock Haley chipped in three assists, and Briley Maxwell added two helpers.
For Brampton, Triolo scored a hat trick, while McConvey finished with two goals and four assists.
The victory keeps Cobourg’s late-season momentum rolling as the Kodiaks continue their push toward the Major Series Lacrosse playoffs.
