TORONTO, ON. - The Toronto Beaches are off to a hot start in Ontario Junior A Lacrosse League Action. Through two home games, the beach boys have outscored their competition 25 - 7. While it is way to early in 2018 to read much into these numbers, and those that follow the team are well aware that the team is prone to hot starts in recent years, it feels safe to assume that this years version of the Toronto Beaches will score some goals in 2018.  The question is, will this be the year they are able to sustain a hot start and still be relevant in July. Time will tell, but an increase in Goals per Game, will certainly help them do just that. 

Returning to the team this year are 4 out of the teams top 5 scorers in 2017. Jack Kelly (55 Pts.), Tristan Hannah (52 Pts.), Josh Dawick (48 Pts.) and Corson Kealey (42 Pts.) are expected to carry the load offensively in the absence of last years leading scorer Aaron Forster (Overage).  GM Clem D'Orazio made some key acquisitions this off season to assist on the offensive side of the ball. Enter Layne Smith (Trade with Six Nations), 3rd in overall league scoring last year in Ontario Junior B, his 112 points in the regular season and 38 points in 10 games in the playoffs will be a welcome addition to the offence. In addition to Smith, D'Orazio was abe to land Skkylar Thomas (Direct Release from Akwesasne). While Thomas ony had 27 points total in 2017 for the Akwesasne Indians in Junior B, beach fans can take solace in the fact that he scored those points in only 4 total games, and added another 37 in 8 playoff games. Any further proof the fanbase needed regarding his offensive upside were on display last night as he exploded for 8points (2G, 6A) in his debut. There is no doubt that these two players will bolster and offensive corps. that finished 6th in Goals Per Game league wide, and assist a Power Play unit that finished 11th in  PP efficiency in 2017. 

With the offensive side of the ball seemingly in good hands, the difference between a hot start and a successful season will rely on whether or not the beaches an keep the ball out of their net. Last year, Toronto finished dead last in Goals Per Game allowed. This will have to improve dramatically if this team wants to improve on an 8th place finish in 2017 and hang with elite in Ontario Junior A. With 7 goals against in their first two games, albeit against two teams that combined for a 8 - 29 - 3 record last year, their off to a good start. Whether or not they can sustain the fast start, well those tests are coming, and their coming quickly. One of those tests, is tonight at Ted Reeve as they host the Orangeville Northmen at 8pm.