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Lots of big-time finishers and plenty of grinders. When ya get to the Mann Cup level, few worry about a team’s ability to move it up the floor. That’s rarely a problem because even if one stud is having an off night, team depth usually steps in and someone else can fill the role.

It’s the stopper standing between the pipes that is often the biggest question mark. If your goalie’s on, it’s amazing to witness. A flick of the shoulder to close the gap at the last second, diving back across the crease to fill the space that denies a quick-stick. Yet if your goalie’s off, boy is it painful. And for the most part, clubs have just one option in a backup keeper so if you have to turn to him, you better hope he brought his game.

So who’s gonna be the difference maker when the Mann Cup kicks off Friday night in Brampton? Anthony Cosmo and Brandon Miller have been a deadly duo for Brampton, and Tyler Richards has been an absolute wall for the New Westminster Salmonbellies.

Cosmo’s no stranger to the game and his 9-1 record is the secondary stat to his 7.34 goals-against average. It’s been a busy summer for the veteran keeper, especially the last month or so. While backstopping the Excelsiors to the Mann Cup, he learned his National Lacrosse League home moved from San Jose to Chicago. The Grade 7 teacher in Mississaugua also has been preparing for the start of school.

It’s not likely that Cosmo’s gonna miss any sort of beat but if he does, the Excelsiors have all kinds of confidence in backup Brandon Miller. Dude was 5-2 with a 6.42 GAA, giving Brampton the top two GAA keepers in Major Series Lacrosse and a team GAA of 6.98.

From the West comes Western Lacrosse Association keeper Tyler Richards, whose 6.35 GAA was tops in WLA by nearly a full goal. With 860 minutes, he’s handled nearly the entire season for the Salmonbellies and his 13-1 record was a big reason he was named Rookie of the Year. Backup Matt Roik was limited in his time but didn’t trip in his time, posting a 7-0 record with a 7.00 GAA in 180 minutes.

So as Brampton suits up the likes of Colin Doyle, Dan Dawson, Brodie Merrill and Aaron Wilson, and New Westminster awaits word on whether they can suit up Ilija Gajic, Cliff Smith, Bobby Snider and Jordan McBride, both clubs come into the 2008 Mann Cup with a mutual understanding. As much damage as their respective offensive lineups have the potential to do, the play of their backstoppers and the fellas in front of them always have been, and always will be, the difference between celebrating a championship or watching a championship celebration.

Who’s the best player in lacrosse? Which game was the best? Which team was the best? You know you’ve got an opinion and now’s your chance to voice it with the inagural Laxie Awards by Inside Lacrosse. Click on the link, check out the categories and cast your vote today.

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