U11s Win Peterborough Laker Classic; Dedicate Win to Teammate's Late Twin Brother

In dedication to nine-year-old Mark Mose, who passed away on Wednesday, the U11 Peterborough Lakers captured the Laker Classic in his honour at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of the Ennismore Eagles.

Mose had passed away in his family’s arms and had a progressive genetic condition.

His twin brother Ben was on the winning U11 Lakers team, scoring two goals in the championship in a 6-5 win over the U11 Orangeville Northmen.

“It was incredible,” said Stephanie Mose, Mark and Ben’s mother. “It felt like everyone was behind us and behind Ben the whole time.”

“He scored a few goals in the tournament and every time was an emotional time on the bench,” said Kyle Martin, U11 Lakers head coach. “He played amazing, a true man.”

Photo courtesy of U11 Peterborough Lakers.

The team had struggled early in the three-day tournament, losing their first two games to the Centre Wellington Riverhawks and Nepean Knights. The team bounced back, winning four straight games that ultimately led to a championship.

“We were surprised to move on after two losses and it was a second chance. explained Martin. “The boys changed their game plan and the boys were fired up for that game three.”

Stephanie said Ben had the option not to play this weekend because of their tragedy but he refused to take that offer.

“He told us he wanted to play for Mark,” she explained.

“It’s a true testament of character,” added Martin. “The beauty of lacrosse. It’s the medicine game. It’s something the kid loves and it’s a good outlet for them.

Photo courtesy of U11 Peterborough Lakers.

A day after Mark’s passing, the U11 Lakers paid tribute to him by adding a little extra to their gear.

“There’s a blue ‘MM’ that we put on our helmets,” said Martin. “Mason Crow (Ben’s teammate) spoke up and he said, ‘let’s do this for Mark.’”

When Ben received the championship trophy during the presentation ceremony, his teammates were heard chanting ‘Benny’ to honour both Mose brothers.

“It was pretty incredible. The boys got the rust off the first two games and came together as a group. Everyone bought in,” said Martin.” “It was surreal that we could do it for Mark.”

“It’s nothing short of amazing. It made what we went through last week exactly what we needed. The whole Lakers community behind us felt unreal,” explained Stephanie. “It was incredible in so many ways and it’s just what we needed as a family. Honestly, it really helped us after the first few days that he passed. It felt like everyone was behind us and behind Ben the whole time.”

Mark was a student at St. Martin Catholic Elementary School in Ennismore. He was known for his bright smile and ability to touch the hearts of everyone he encountered. This included family, friends, classmates and school staff.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Nisbett Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Northview Community Church. Interment to follow the service at Rosemount Memorial Gardens.

At the family’s request, donations can be made to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada or the Make-A-Wish Foundation Canada.

The public can also purchase raffle tickets from the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers, with all proceeds to benefit the Mose family. They can be purchased by emailing djmcphail@ptbolax.com or sending a direct message to the U11 Lakers Instagram page.

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