The Coquitlam Adanacs defeated the St. Catharines Athletics 15-6 on Sunday, in Game Four of the 2025 Minto Cup. The result pushed both teams to 1-1 on the weekend.
Cody Malawsky got on track in a big way, with 5 goals and 2 assists to lead all scorers, while Nathan Chalmers and Jaxon Dillon each had hat-tricks for the Adanacs. Zack Toll and Jameson Bucktooth each had a goal and 2 assists to lead the scoring for the Athletics.
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That’s More Like It
Whatever you saw and took away from these two teams openers, flip that around as the perennial BC powerhouse put their foot down early and didn’t relent. The Athletics, who looked quite impressive a night ago, didn’t match the crisp ball movement or pace of the Adanacs who clearly had their legs after yesterday’s struggles. Instead of relying on individual efforts and shooting from distance, the fastest way to lose a lacrosse game, the Adanacs spread the floor and shared the ball to great success.Â
Right from the start, Jack Kask was outstanding in the goal for the Adanacs. After an uncharacteristic start on day one, he looked like the elite netminder that we expected to see this week.
Following a dribbler from well out courtesy of Jaxon Dillon, the offence of the Adanacs took charge with constant dodges underneath and off-ball cuts. Being well aware of the fact Ty Wilson was dropping down to a knee the Adanacs would go up and over into the top corners often. The Athletics would answer with a couple of goals but a Coquitlam marker with just one second on the clock to end the first made it 5-2 going into the intermission and felt like an early knockout blow.
Adanacs Flex Muscle in Second
The next frame would begin with a furious purple and gold run as they extended the lead to 10-2. The middle of the floor was left easily accessible and the Adanacs ball movement and off-ball work took advantage of it. Although the Athletics are a team blessed with great size and pretty good athleticism, they were getting beat repeatedly underneath on ball and allowing cutters off the ball to get into prime scoring areas.
A great sign for the Adanacs was how balanced their scoring was, a by-product of quality ball movement. Another key element of this one was how well the Adanacs would take away the Athletics transition game, tracking back and getting off the floor quickly.Â
Tensions Were High
The second-half of the game was defined by physicality and after the whistle scrums. Of course, fans of this sport have seen this happen before, especially in blowouts. This escalated into a near fight between Trent Robertson and Ty Banks, which was apparent response to a five-minute major taken by Banks earlier in the contest. Robertson would receive the only penalty on the play.
After that event, things would settle down somewhat as the two teams played out the end of the game. One major noticeable difference for me in this game was how uninspired and disjointed the Athletics looked compared to last night. The offence didn’t seem to ever get connected or space the floor the way you would want and the defence looked flat-footed. And as champions do, the Adanacs jumped on them and took advantage with precision.Â
With the win Coquitlam now moves to 1-1 and will clinch a spot in the semi-final tomorrow if they can beat the Raiders. Meanwhile the Athletics drop to 1-1 and can give themselves a shot at the bye if they can overcome the Northmen who sit at 2-0. There is obviously potential for a three-way-tie at either 2-1 or 1-2 but the results in the first game today will have a big impact on these scenarios.
Three Stars
#1. Cody Malawsky (COQ)
The big lefty got inside at will and had the goaltenders at his mercy. He has incredible patience and touch around the net and was the best player on the floor.
#2: Nathan Chalmers (COQ)
Maybe the most underrated player in the tournament, Chalmers is a great off-ball player with an outstanding release on his shot.
#3: Jordan Reed (COQ)
Discussed on the broadcast, Reed has excellent hands out the back gate and is positionally sound. He is terrific at helping clear the ball and led to an overall clean game for the Adanacs.
Unsung Hero
Ben Coghill (COQ)
I have really loved this guy’s game for a few years now since seeing him live in 2023 at the Minto in Edmonton. He rarely gets beat and switches on ball very well. As an added bonus, he’s great on loose balls and has some offensive ability in transition.Â