NLL Insider

The 2009 Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA) Mann Cup national championship was easily one of the greatest championships in recent history. Over the last 59 years, only nine other Mann Cup series have gone the distance.

The Brampton Excelsiors versus host New Westminster Salmonbellies final in 2009, a rematch of ’08, was fantastic lacrosse right from the opening whistle. The two teams played seven games in nine nights, with five OT frames.

Brampton coach Troy Cordingley, who has won six combined Mann Cups as a player and coach, said post-game: “It was just remarkable (lacrosse). A lot of people have said, and I agree, this is probably the best Mann Cup ever.”

In the overall series, Brampton finished with just one more goal than New West, as the teams recorded near identical shots on goal (355 Brampton, 358 New West). Several games included last-minute goals and dramatic finishes.

Brampton won the last two games in OT.

For a recap of the series, check the ‘Road to the Mann Cup’ archive.

Below are video highlights of the crucial moments in Game 7.

Note: What you may not be able to appreciate from the video is just how loud the sold-out arena got, particularly when New West was up 7-6, in possession of the ball and trying to kill those last 30-odd seconds of regulation (4:30mark of vid).

Now that you’ve seen the replay, what’s your take? Continue to sound off on the NLL Forums.

An All-America at Simon Fraser and a decorated Jr. A player for Coquitlam, Kojima began covering lacrosse in 2003 and started working for Inside Lacrosse in 2007. Email him at steve.kojima@nllinsider.com or go to www.laxfuj.com.

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