After a season of ups and downs with an exciting finish, the Jr. B Brampton Excelsiors are ready to get a start to their 2023 season on May 1st. Though a series of injuries plagued the team throughout the 2022 season, causing them to miss the playoffs, they got a second shot as hosts of the Founder’s Cup. With an automatic birth in the tournament, the team made good use of the break in between to both recover, and practice. This paid off when they managed to capture fourth place in Canada after some incredible games. Even against the dominating Nepean Knights the boys stayed in the game and showed the potential they had.
This season will see a new coaching staff take over but many of the same players return. General Manager Brent McCauley announced in December that Excelsiors alum Brock Boyle would be taking over after previous Head Coach Todd Wilfong stepped down.
“My main area of focus is to get this young group to be the most athletic team in the league, and win games based on grit, resilience, and determination” said Boyle. “I want to show these young men what it takes to play at the highest level at all ends of the floor.”
And Brock would know. After a successful Jr. A career, Boyle has played at nearly every level of lacrosse including several years in both the NLL and MSL, most recently coming off an exciting season with the ALL’s Brampton Express. His experience and attitude are sure to be seen in the play of his team this season. “We will play fast, with purpose, and develop along the way. There will be no passengers, and every effort we put forward will be a collective one.”
Joining Brock on he bench this year is a plethora of coaching experience, including Clayton Bergie, himself a former bench boss of the team, Justin Huggins, and John Derochie. Off the bench, McCauley has been focusing on young, talented players who will grow and develop over the coming years.
“The 2023 Jr. B Excelsiors are going to be a very young team.” McCauley said. He also expressed confidence in his new coaches and the approach they’re taking. “With our new coaching staff in place, we have a different vision going forward. There is a new culture brewing with the Jr. B’s. A culture that will be based on hard work.”
While no one knows exactly what any given sports season will have store, fans can be assured that the 2023 Jr. B Excelsiors’ season will be and exciting one, building on last year’s success. Boyle’s goal for the group is clear: “We don’t believe in excuses or short cuts. I believe this group has what it takes to make the playoffs this year.”
Come out to the home opener and cheer on our Jr. B’s May 1st at Brampton Memorial Arena as they host the visiting West Durham Ironheads. Game time is 8:00 pm. All BMLA players accompanied by an adult and wearing their Brampton jersey will be admitted to the game free. Check out the full schedule on the Jr. B team page.