MANITOBA MINTO CUP HISTORY- PART 2- 1938
After getting their "feet wet" in the 1937 play downs against the Vancouver Bluebirds, optimism was high for their 1938 visit by the Orillia Terriers- Ontario junior champions, who Defeated St. Catherines in the Ontario final.This optimism was fueled by a highly competitive junior league play. In the two-team league, West Ends and the Elmwood Pats, split the games with seven wins a piece. What the scheduled lacked in variety was more than made up in the quality of play. The regular season play was followed up with a seven game series, that the Pats won 4 games to two. The coaches, Chuck Harding of the West Ends and Elmwood's Reg McGraith had time to drill their teams, each developing units displaying smart team play. The feeling was that this might be one of the best-prepared teams, Manitoba has sent to a national competition
The Pats roster made up juvenile and junior aged players: Andy Branigan, Dave Ross, Dick Watt, Ritchie Ward, Andy Mutar, Brownie Krochak, Jphnny Arondus, Bill Pearce, George Johnson, Andy Miller, Lloyd Sinclair, Morris Macalister, Bill McGill, and K. Lawson. After the playoffs the Pats added West End sniper Ken "Red" Hunter to their roster.
This optimism was tempered with the realization that Orillia had bolstered their championship squad with selection of all stars from the Ontario junior league. As well the Terriers were motivated to move on and play against against the New Westminster Salmon Bellies, who poached five of the Dogs top players in the off-season.
From the paltry attendance (200 fans) at the first game of the two game total point series, it appears most local lacrosse fans felt that the Pats would be in over their heads against the skilled and experienced Ontario representative.
This was certainly true in the first game, where the smooth passing, well-drilled offence ran the Winnipeg squad out of the Olympic Rink with a 19 - 10 victory. The Terriers started fast taking control of the game from start to finish. Potting goals for the Pats were Norm Macalister (2), Craig Lawson (3), Red Hunter (2), Bill Peace (2), and John Arondus (1).
The home team received a booster in moral support with 600 members of the Winnipeg Light Infantry attending the second game. The infantry were using the Olympic Rink as a training site as they prepared to be shipped over seas. The loud and proud soldiers filled the rink with cheers and chants- pushing the Pats to perform their best. While the Winnipeg team lost 19-14, their play was much improved. Especially so in the third and fourth quarters where the 'Peggers' dominated play with the Terriers falling back into a defensive posture.
The results of these games highlighted the biggest challenge facing Manitoba lacrosse- playing against superior teams prior to the Minto Cup play downs. This has been a reoccurring theme for Manitoba lacrosse for the past 90 years. As well the development of top-flight talent in Winnipeg was further hindered when two of the provinces best players signed to play with Orillia Senior Terriers.
But with the bulk of the Pats players being of juvenile age, hope springs eternal that these young bucks will lead Manitoba to inter-provincial victories.
The Terriers exhibition series scheduled for Moose Jaw was cancelled due to the facilities being used for military training. The Eastern Canadian champs traveled directly to New West Minister where they soundly defeated by the Salmon Bellies.
