Favero paces Saints in Presidents Cup opener

It wasn’t the layoff Brad Favero was looking for but perhaps, in hindsight, it did a world of good.

After missing nine regular season games with an ankle injury Favero was hoping for a long postseason run – instead the St. Catharines Saints bowed out of the senior B lacrosse playoffs with a semifinal loss to the Brooklin Merchants.

Thankfully for the 30-year old St. Catharines native, and elementary school teacher with the Catholic board, the Saints were awarded an automatic bid in the 2015 Presidents Cup as hosts, and Monday night opened the tournament with an impressive 16-7 victory over the Nova Scotia Privateers.

Favero led the way with four goals and four assists.

“I came in with a little confidence today,” explained Favero who had had just three goals and 16 points in seven regular season games.

“Today was just my day to put the ball in the net. It was a team effort. We’ve been off for about four weeks now. We had a couple of good practices and wanted to establish a physical presence on defence early. We did that and were able to bury are chances on offence.”

Saints head coach Jeff Dowling had a feeling Favero would produce this week.
“I noticed on (last) Saturday at practice,” Dowling said. “I asked him how many games he could play and he said every single game we play. It’s the healthiest he’s been all season. He’s a great guy and leader and really happy to see him step up like that.”

Despite being hosts many lacrosse pundits are calling St. Catharines the underdog in the Presidents Cup, something that Dowling embraces.

“I’ve been through this before in 1990. I was a player for Fergus, and we were the hosts, and we were counted out before the tournament started, and I kind of feel were the same way here. We’re the third or fourth best team here, is what everyone is saying – I love it because we’re going to prove everyone wrong.”

The Saints will try and continue their winning ways Tuesday night against the defending champion Onondaga Redhawks. Game time is 8 p.m.

“There’s a reason they won the cup last year, they’re the champs and we know we’ll be in for tough game,” said Saints President and GM Dave Colbourne who was happy with day one.

“This is, and was, a huge undertaking. I think things went very smoothly today. I’m hoping lacrosse fans from St. Catharines and Niagara realize the talent that is here on display this week. There are a lot of NLL (National Lacrosse League) players on the floor.”

Notes: The Saints last game was a 5-4 loss to the Brooklin Merchants in the Ontario semi-finals on Aug. 3.... Former St. Catharines Spartan Mark Vradenburg and current Brock Badger Mark Vradenburg, and former Niagara Lock Monster Tim Bergin play for the Capital Region Axemen (Ottawa).

Mayor Walter Sendzik addressed the crowd during the opening ceremonies which also featured smoke dancers.

Monday’s results:
The St. Catharines Saints 16 Nova Scotia Privateers 7
Onondaga Redhawks 9 Capital Region Axemen 8
Snake Island Muskies 12 Nanaimo Timbermen 7
Six Nations Rivermen 14 Rockyview Knights 4