Adanacs Clinch Fourth Minto Cup

Photo Credit J. Lalli/Sportswave

The Coquitlam Adanacs secured their fourth Minto Cup championship on Friday night, defeating the Orangeville Northmen 9-6 in front of an energized home crowd at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex. 

This victory secures Adanac history in Canadian Junior A lacrosse, managing to add to their previous titles won in 2010, 2016, and 2018. 

Cody Malawsky was the hero for the Adanacs, delivering a standout performance when his team needed it most. Malawsky scored four goals and added an assist, leading the offensive charge for Coquitlam and finishing the night with five points. 

His ability to find the back of the net at crucial moments made a significant difference in the outcome of the game. 

Malawsky’s efforts were bolstered by Noah Manning, who also had a five-point night with two goals and three assists. 

Manning’s playmaking and scoring touch were instrumental in the Adanacs’ victory, providing a consistent threat throughout the game. Nathan Chalmers also contributed with two goals, adding to the Adanacs’ offensive firepower.

In goal, Jack Kask was a wall for the Adanacs, stopping 50 of 56 shots he faced. His outstanding performance between the pipes earned him the finals MVP honours, a recognition well-deserved given his crucial role in Coquitlam’s success. Kask’s calm presence and ability to make key saves under pressure were vital in securing the win for his team.

Reflecting on the victory, Adanacs defenseman Ty Banks expressed his elation at winning the championship on home soil. 

“It’s a dream come true,” Banks said. “Having the opportunity to do it on my home floor—I couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s truly a blessing.” Banks also spoke about the nerves that came with competing in the Minto Cup, particularly during the round-robin stage.”

He continued “Honestly, coming into the Minto Cup, there were a lot of nerves, especially during the round robin. I feel like I let it get the best of me, but with the help of my coaches and teammates, I was able to push that aside and focus on the process. For the last two games, I felt pretty good—levelheaded and ready to get it done. And luckily, we did.” 

His words highlight the mental challenges of competing at such a high level and the importance of support from teammates and coaches. 

On the other side, Liam Matthews was the standout player for the Northmen throughout the tournament, and he continued his strong play in the final, netting a hat trick. 

Matthews was consistently dangerous, finding ways to break through the Adanacs’ defence and score crucial goals. 

His leadership on the floor was evident, as he tried to inspire a comeback for his team. 

Dylan Sanderson also had a solid performance, contributing a goal and two assists, while goaltender Connor O’Toole made 40 saves on 49 shots, doing his best to keep Orangeville in the game.

The match was tightly contested in the early stages, with both teams battling hard for every inch of the floor. 

Matthews opened the scoring for Orangeville, finding the net 7:16 into the game, however, Chalmers quickly responded for the Adanacs, tying the game just 22 seconds later. 

The first period remained close, with Manning giving Coquitlam the lead with 2:59 left on the clock, but Matthews struck back with 1:45 remaining to tie it 2-2 heading into the first intermission.

In the second period, Coquitlam began to assert control. Malawsky put the Adanacs ahead again at 8:51, but Matthews quickly equalized with a goal two minutes later, making it a 3-3 game. 

The teams continued to trade goals, with Malawsky scoring his second of the night at 12:43 to restore Coquitlam’s lead. Sanderson replied for the Northmen just 37 seconds later, tying the game once more at 4-4. 

The Adanacs finished the period strongly, with Chalmers scoring at 16:33 and David Charney adding another goal with 50 seconds left in the period, giving Coquitlam a 6-4 lead heading into the third.

The Adanacs carried their momentum into the final period, opening with a pair of quick goals. Malawsky completed his hat trick 8:05 into the third period, and Manning added another just 18 seconds later, extending Coquitlam’s lead to 8-4. 

The Northmen tried to mount a comeback, with Trey Deere scoring at 11:34 to bring Orangeville within three goals.

Malawsky made short work of that and quickly responded grabbing his fourth goal of the night at 12:37 sealing the Championship for Coquitlam. 

Despite a late goal from Bowie Horsman with 2:36 left on the clock, the Adanacs held firm to secure a 9-6 win.

For the Adanacs, Malawsky’s four goals and an assist led the way, with Manning adding two goals and three assists. 

Charney chipped in with a goal and two assists, while Chalmers contributed two goals. 

On the Orangeville side, Matthews’ hat trick was complemented by Sanderson’s goal and two assists, while Horsman and Deere also found the back of the net. 

The victory marks a triumphant end to the Adanacs’ season, as they celebrate another Minto Cup title with their passionate fans. 

The team’s ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments was key to their success, and they will undoubtedly look to build on this momentum in future seasons. 

With their fourth Minto Cup in the books, the Coquitlam Adanacs have once again proven themselves as one of the premier teams in Canadian Junior A lacrosse.

Top Scorers

Coquitlam Adanacs

Cody Malawsky, 4g 1a; Noah Manning, 2g 3a;  David Charney, 1g 2a

Orangeville Northmen

Liam Matthews, 3g, Dylan Sanderson, 1g 2a’ Bowie Horsman, 1g 1a

Joey Spallina, 2a’ Owen Rahn, 2a