(August 22, 2012)… The Six Nations Chiefs edged the Peterborough Lakers 12-9 Tuesday night to take Game Three of the Major Series Lacrosse Finals. The Chiefs earned their first victory in the best-of-seven series by scoring the game’s last three goals, and eight of the final 10.

“It’s a monkey off our backs,” said Six Nations and Rochester Knighthawks forward Cody Jamieson. “It’s a seven-game series that will go at least one more game. We have to get the series even and get the home-floor advantage back.”

Game Four is set for Thursday, August 23rd at 8:00 p.m. at the Memorial Centre.

Peterborough opened the game Tuesday with a goal just 29 seconds into the first period by Scott Evans. Knighthawk Alex “Kedoh” Hill answered for Six Nations, as he tied the game at one just 1:10 later. The marker ignited an early surge by the Chiefs. Fellow Knighthawks Jamieson and Craig Point then scored back-to-back goals just 1:14 apart and it was 3-1. The fourth Six Nations’ goal was scored by another Knighthawk, as Sid Smith tallied at 5:34. His second goal of the year was a huge boost for the Chiefs, according to Jamieson.

“It gets everyone on the team charged up when people score when it’s not really their role on the team,” said Jamieson. “It shows that he wants to win and is willing to go beyond his role as a shutdown defenseman.”

The Lakers, however, responded with a flurry of goals as Jamie Lincoln, Shawn Evans and Tracey Kelusky scored to even the contest at four. John Tavares’ goal at 3:02 of the second period then gave the Lakers the lead at 5-4. Knighthawk Cory Vitarelli continued the Peterborough run with his 16th goal of the playoffs for a 6-4 advantage. The Lakers increased the lead to 7-4 when Evans netted his second of the game at 9:15. The Chiefs, needing a victory to climb back in the series, responded with four straight goals to seize an 8-7 lead after two.

“It was a matter of staying composed and finally executing,” said Jamieson about the team’s ability to come back in Game 3. “It was a matter of trusting in each other.” 

Rhys Duch got Six Nations back in the game with a goal from MSL Rookie of the Year Alex “Kedoh” Hill at 9:58. Tom Montour notched the next Chiefs’ goal at 15:30 to get his team within one at 7-6. Just 53 seconds later, Hill scored to tie the contest at seven. The Knighthawks had a hand in the go-ahead goal as former K-Hawk Mat MacLeod scored from Point at 17:14.

In typical Peterborough fashion, the Lakers rallied to even the game at eight just 2:46 into the third period on Kelusky’s goal. But MacLeod answered for the Chiefs at 4:11 and the lead was back to one. Mat Giles would tie the game once more at 12:05. With the Lakers in search of a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, Six Nations grabbed the lead back on Montour’s second of the game at 16:45 to spark a 3-0 run to secure Game Three. Knighthawk Stephen Keogh and Duch added insurance goals for the Chiefs.

Duch (2+1), Hill (2-1) and Colin Doyle (0+3) led the Six Nations’ offense, while Jamieson and Point each added one goal and one assist. Mike Poulin earned the win, making 16 saves in a relief appearance. Peterborough got a four-point effort (2+2) from Evans and three from Kelusky (2+1).