For Tony Oak of the Moose Jaw Mustangs, Monday's Prairie Gold Lacrosse League game was right up his alley.
The same can't necessarily be said for all of his teammates.
It definitely wasn't a game for the faint of heart.
The Mustangs were 14-9 winners over the Regina Heat in box lacrosse play at the Kinsmen Arena. While the margin of victory was comfortable, the play on the floor wasn't in a game that featured lots of heavy stick work off of the ball.
The Heat are one of the senior men's teams that play an interlocking schedule with the junior league.
"I was actually expecting it to be a little bit rougher," said Oak. "Every time we play them things get a little rowdy. It adds a little fun to the game, a little excitement, I don't mind it."
Oak, who led the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League with 270 penalty minutes in 46 games last season, clearly doesn't mind mixing it up. While there were some young players taking some pretty heavy shots from grown men, Oak feels it will serve them well in the long run.
"I guess for me it's enjoyable, for some of the other guys it's not," said Oak, who scored four goals. "They play rough and that helps get most of the guys in the game. It gets you a little angry and a little more intense and makes the game a little better.
"It's good for those first-year guys (to take) on this physicalness right off the beginning, a couple of years from now they'll be able to handle it good. When they're playing the Saskatoon teams, they'll be better prepared for the hits."
The Mustangs were up 5-3 after the first period, but were able to break the game open in the second period and extended their lead to 10-4. The Heat fought back to within four goals in the third, but weren't able to make the Mustangs sweat in the final minutes.
"It wasn't our best game, but we played all right," said Oak. "We played well enough to win I guess. Once we play the Saskatoon teams we're going to need to be playing a lot better than that."
Oak's four goals gives him 12 on the season and 26 points to lead all scorers in the PGLL.
"Lots of guys were setting really good picks - I was just happened to be the to use the picks and put the ball in the net," said Oak. "It's mostly credit to the other guys for setting the pick and taking the hit to make the play."
Early in the season, most of what Oak is shooting is finding the back of the net. While he's enjoying the production, he isn't really expecting it to last.
"I'll live it up while I've got it I guess," said Oak. "Most of the time I have the odd one where I don't even come close to the net. I'll cross my fingers I guess and hope it stays."
Frankie Davalos had three goals, while Mitch Dougall had a pair for the winners. Tyler Dobrescu, Mark Roney, Adam Baker, Riley Brydges and Pat Jukes also scored for the Mustangs.
Former Mustang Ken Stewart had a pair of goals for the Heat.
Matthew Gourlie can be reached at 691-1261
