Wheeling, W. Va. - The 2022 season was one of the best years for the Wheeling University Men's Lacrosse team in recent history. They finished 4-9, just missing the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) playoffs and saw a three-win improvement from their previous season with a roster that still consisted of mostly freshmen and sophomores. One of the leaders for the Cardinals this season on the offensive side of the ball was sophomore Mike Andersson, who scored a career-high 37 goals and 44 points.
This summer, Andersson is taking his game to the next level, playing in the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League (OJLL) with the Whitby Warriors Junior A team. The Warriors are a team consisting of High school seniors and college players across North America who are continuing their Lacrosse careers out of season. Overall, the OJLL consists of 11 teams competing across Canada. They are the juniors premiere box lacrosse team in Ontario sanctioned by the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) and Lacrosse Canada.
In his sophomore year with the Cardinals, Andersson proved himself to be one of the top scorers in the GMAC. His 37 goals ranked him fifth in the GMAC this season while averaging the third most goals per game. He was also Wheeling's third most accurate shooter with a .589 shot on goal percentage and a .327 shooting percentage. He earned All-GMAC Second Team Honors for the first time in his career and helped Wheeling battle for a playoff spot until the second to last week of the season.
Andersson's Whitby Warriors are currently sitting in third place in the OJLL with a record of 12-5 through 17 games. Andersson is putting together a strong season in his second year with the Warriors, sitting fourth on the team with 12 goals to go along with 18 assists and 30 points scored this season. He has played in 11 of his teams' 12 games this summer and is averaging four points per game. Andersson got a taste of the OJLL last summer, playing three games with the Warriors, but has taken the opportunity to run with it this season.
"After a long 2 years of not being able to play box lacrosse due to Covid, it's an amazing feeling to be back on the floor," said Andersson. "Playing this season for the Whitby Warriors has been an eye opener, as we have a serious chance to play for the Minto Cup. I presently sit 4th on the team for points behind 3 veteran players who I have had the privilege to play with over the years from minor lacrosse to now. Keeping the stick in my hands this summer is going to help me exceed this season in surpassing the goals I set for myself last year. Can't wait to get back on the field with the boys."
The OJLL continues its season through August before Andersson makes his way back to Wheeling University where he will prepare for another strong season during the 2023 season.
