Rivermen undefeated at regular season midway point

The Six Nations Rivermen continue to roll along. The local Ontario Senior Lacrosse squad reached the midway point of its 2022 regular season on Sunday and are still undefeated. The squad, which downed the host Oakville Rock 11-6, is now sporting a perfect 8-0 record.

The match was staged at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville. Vern Hill, who scored three goals and added an assist in Sunday’s triumph, said there is no talk in the Rivermen dressing room about the club’s undefeated streak.

“We just have to show up and play every game,” said Hill, adding he was unaware the Six Nations side was now halfway through its 16-game regular season schedule. “Everybody has to focus on each and every game and we take it from there.” 

The Rivermen were playing their second road game in as many nights on Sunday. Six Nations had defeated the host Clearview Crushers 11-5 in a contest held Saturday night in Collingwood. Hill, who did not make Saturday’s road trip, said his teammates showed no signs of fatigue versus the Rock.

“Everybody seemed to be fine and had a lot of energy on the bench,” he said. 

Like Hill, Rivermen head coach Darcy Powless said his charges don’t seem to mention the undefeated streak they’ve put together to start this season.

“We don’t get too wrapped up in the standings,” Powless said.

For the record, however, the Rivermen are atop the standings of the six-team OSL. Owen Sound North Stars (6-4-0) are occupying second place and find themselves four points behind the Six Nations team. but the North Stars have played two games more than the Rivermen.

“We just take it game by game,” Powless said. “And we’re improving every game on the floor.”

The Rivermen improved their depth on Sunday as Scott Del Zotto made his debut for the club in Oakville. He scored once and also chipped in with a pair of assists. Del Zotto starred for the Six Nations Snipers of the Arena Lacrosse League this past season. He had a team-high 49 points, including 25 goals, in 10 regular season matches with the Snipers. He added 14 points (eight goals and six assists) in two playoff games, leading the Snipers to the ALL championship. Del Zotto was named the game MVP as the Snipers downed the Whitby Steelhawks 16-11 in the ALL championship final this past April. 

Like Hill, Travis Longboat also had a hat trick for the Rivermen on Sunday. Besides Del Zotto, singles were scored by Jeremy Bomberry, Justin Martin, Jordan Goddard and Marshall Powless.

The Rivermen return to action on Saturday when they host the Oshawa-based Merchants Lacrosse Club. The opening faceoff for the match, which will be held at the Six Nations Sports & Cultural Centre, is scheduled for 7 p.m.