As the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League (OJLL) season approaches, the Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting campaign. Adding to the anticipation is the addition of Curtis Conley as the new defensive assistant coach.
Hailing from Ottawa, Conley brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Having played his minor lacrosse with the Nepean Knights and his junior lacrosse with the Gloucester Griffins Jr. B and Toronto Beaches Jr.A teams, Conley is no stranger to the lacrosse scene.
His extensive lacrosse career boasts notable achievements, particularly during his time at Trent University, where he was a four-time Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) Defensive Player of the Year, a four-time CUFLA All-Canadian, and a member of the school’s only Baggataway Cup-winning team. On top of those accolades, just last week, Conley was named Trent’s first-ever Athlete of the Year.
Conley’s expertise extends beyond the collegiate level, having also made appearances in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) with the Albany FireWolves and the New York Riptide, as well as currently playing for the Whitby Steelhawks in the Arena Lacrosse League.
Lakers Head Coach Robert Hope says the staff had been talking about adding another coach for awhile and Conley’s name was always one that came up in conversation. Hope says Conley checks all the boxes in terms of what they were looking for in a coach. “Curtis brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. He has went through the many different levels of lacrosse from junior to pro and knows what it takes to make it to the next level. He has a passion for teaching and coaching. He understand the game and has a great energy that he will bring each day to the rink”.
Excited about his new coaching role, Conley expressed his gratitude, stating, “When Coach Hope reached out to me to be a part of the Jr. A Lakers organization, I was extremely humbled and grateful. I am excited to pass on the knowledge that I have gained through my Junior and NLL experiences to provide our family with the best chance to succeed at the end of August. With some of the best lacrosse minds in the game on the bench, I am looking to bring whatever I can to this group to help make us successful”.
Hope echoed Conley’s sentiments for success while reflecting on the team’s challenges faced during last season, sharing his optimism for the future. “Last year was a very frustrating year for our organization. Top to bottom we didn’t do enough to be successful. We learned a lot as coaches and players. We are looking to correct those mistakes that we made,” said Hope. “We have taken a lot of time to reflect on our mistakes and it is now time to change for the better.”
With Conley’s addition to the coaching staff alongside Assistants Turner Evans, Taylor Evans, and Jeff Ralph, the Lakers are poised for a successful season ahead. The Lakers’ 2024 season is set to kick off on May 24th at home against the Six Nations Arrows. With Conley now on board, the Lakers are eager to hit the ground running and make their mark in the OJLL.
