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Saturday, April 11, 2009: Langley Thunder Jr. A Launches
The first-ever goal in the record books of the new Langley Thunder Jr A lacrosse team will be credited to Mitch Dibblee.
Unassisted, he scored at 5:54 of the first period Saturday afternoon against the Jr. Shamrocks in Victoria as the Thunder stepped onto the floor for its inaugural season which began with an exhibition game.
Victoria was ahead 2-0 at the time, and finished the first period ahead 8-2.
Langley’s second goal came off the stick of Midget lacrosse star Kevin Lemond, who neatly sliced through a scrambling Shamrock defense to become the first rookie in the record book.
The rookie presence on the new Thunder club was significant. Of the 19 runners on Saturday’s roster only six have previous experience in Junior A.
While there may be exceptions to the sports wisdom that each higher level of play is at least a step-and-a-half faster than the one below, Saturdays’ game wasn’t one of them. The rookie-dominated Thunder squad appeared smaller and lighter and was often left strides behind fast-breaking Shamrocks, especially in the first period, when Victoria’s aggressive defense generated the turnovers that launched their goal-scoring.
After the first intermission to discuss the pace of life in junior A, the Thunder showed up for the second period much more alert. They held Victoria to just three goals, while Clayton Bell and Ryan Harwood scored for Langley.
Then the penalties began. In the second half of the second period, the Shamrocks took nine penalties including a game and a gross misconduct. Langley was assessed two penalties in the same stretch of the game. A three-man officiating crew, including two rookies of its own, was struggling to maintain control of the game.
Then, the third period tone was set by a novel contribution from the Shamrock’s public address system. As both teams were returning to the floor, the rink was filled with the familiar and frantic sound track familiar to fans of boxing on US network television. Perhaps you’ve heard it:
'Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the main event. Let’s get ready to rrrrrrrrumble!'
Both teams took seven penalties in the final period. Victoria’s game total was 43 minutes. Langley’s was 31 minutes.
The game ended 16-6 for the Victoria Shamrocks.
Thunder Coach Jamie Scott was pleased with the outcome. Pointing out that two-thirds of the team were rookies he said, “We’re beginning a building process. It was a good start. All the young players made good contributions. I’m happy.”
Langley’s scoring leader was rookie Kevin Lemond who picked up three points with one goal and two assists. Other goals were scored by Ryan Harwood, Justin Harwood and Colton Porter. Assists went to Lukkas Bailey, Mitch Dibblee and goalkeeper Devon Winter.
Shots on goal were Victoria 61, Langley 34.
The Langley Thunder Jr. A home opener is Thursday, April 30th at the new Langley Events Centre.
For further information please contact:
Cameron Bell at 604 538 0492
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