Chiefs force Game 7

Photo by Darryl Smart

Everyone was kind of expecting the Major Series Lacrosse final to go seven games.
It may not have been the conventional way, but the Six Nations Pro-Fit Chiefs erased an  0-3 series deficit, to force a seventh and deciding game for the third year in a row, with a 10-7 win Thursday night at the Iroquois Lacrosse arena.
"Down 0-3 we knew we weren't out of it by a long shot," Chiefs coach Rich Kilgour said. "We knew they had to win that fourth game. That's the hardest one to win. We just kept working and kept believing. this is a veteran locker room. there's no quit in them."
That showed quite quickly in Game 6.
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Randy Staats led the first period attack, scoring twice, with Stephen Keogh adding one. But hte big story of the period was goalie Dillon Ward, who was outstanding stopping all 17 shots he faced.
Cody Jamieson again made his presence felt in the second period, scoring two quick ones, with Keogh netting one more, giving the Chiefs a six-goal cushion.
Adam Jones finally got the Lakers on the board eight minutes into the frame. Dhane Smith quickly responded, before Mark Steenhuis and Nick Weiss cut into the lead.
the Lakers seemed to settle in during the third period, trying to mount a comeback, with goals from turner Evans, Shawn Evans, Dylan Evans and Scott Self.
But for every time the Lakers inched closer, the Chiefs responded with goals from Staats, Smith and Austin Staats.
"These two teams are so close, it's always a matter of inches," Kilgour said. "What is this, the 20th time we've played in the final the last three years, and it's 10-10. I bet if you look at the goal differential, it's probably only one or two.
"On Saturday, it's going to come down to who wants it," he said. "It's great lacrosse and both teams are showing how good the lacrosse is in Ontario."
Game 7 is at the Peterborough Memorial Centre at 7 p.m., with the winner earning the MSL title and right to host the Mann Cup.

OUT WEST
In the Western Lacrosse League final, the Maple Ridge Burrards took a 3-2 series lead Wednesday, with a 12-8 win over the Victoria Shamrocks. Game 6 is Friday, with Game 7, if necessary, on Sunday.