By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 12/30/17
You might think competing in the Brogden Cup may became less exciting for Payton Cormier after three years of trekking from Ontario to southern Florida just before New Year’s.
Not so.
“Honestly, it’s always nice coming down to Florida and playing lacrosse, but playing for your country with a bunch of guys that you know pretty well is the best part,” said the 2019 Mimico attackman who committed to Virginia. “It’s always great competition as neither Canada or the US like to lose.”
Cormier’s Team Ontario, representing Canada, clearly enjoyed the experience of the Brogden Cup this week as it swept Team USA, 3-0, capping it Friday with a 10-3 victory. Cormier had two goals and an assist and closed the tourney with a team-high in points with 12 goals and 3 assists. Cormier fired in six goals in the opener, a 14-12, win and also had four in a 13-10 victory.
“We were so successful this year because the games were so close, having the lead and letting them gain momentum gave us a moment of realization letting us know that these guys are here to play and we had to pick up our game. ground balls are obviously a huge part of these games and we came up with the ones that we needed.
“Competing in this event has helped me understand what it’s like to constantly be playing in close games. Nothing comes easy and you really have to play smart if you want to come out with the win.”
Also for Team Canada, Josh Dawick had 6 goals and 3 assists, Jonathon Peshko had 6 goals and 2 assists, Jack Bowden 5 goals and 3 assists and Jason Knox 3 goals and 4 assists.
Cormier said he knew some of his Team Canada teammates coming into the competition, and that they quickly jelled – which was important because Team USA continually made big comebacks in the first two games.
“Some of our team played together and that’s why there was a good connect between most of our guys,” he said. “However, our team overall didn’t really care how we won the game – we just wanted to win – that’s when we really learned to bond with everyone on our team.”
Cormier is already in Tampa now playing for Grand River at the Dick’s Tournament of Champions.
“The competitions is good and hopefully the weather is a little bit better,” Cormier said.