THUNDER UNDEFEATED IN TWO EXHIBITION GAMES

After an undefeated weekend of two exhibition games we know that the 2010 edition of the Langley Thunder Junior A is:

• Fast and feisty…

• Disciplined, but with a few exception…

• Versatile on offense…

• Generally, tough on defense…

And certainly will be playing entertaining lacrosse in the upcoming season which opens at the Langley events centre on Tuesday, April 27.

The observations follow an 8-8 draw with the Poco Saints on Friday, and a 9-6 win over the Victoria Shamrocks on Sunday afternoon in Langley.

In both games, the Thunder opened quickly and scored on blistering shots from the outside and penetrations to the crease both by runners and some well-executed passes to waiting creasemen. The Poco contest, however, changed direction as both teams became distracted by an apparent need to work off some pre-season energy.

The play became ragged and undisciplined as the two clubs racked up a total of 152 penalty minutes – including some game misconducts for unsportsmanlike behavior.

Coach Rey Comeault lamented after the game that elements of the old culture were still present and would need further work.

After Sunday’s game the coach was upbeat – on the culture and the overall performance in the win over the Jr. Shamrocks.

“In both games we really brought it to them,” he said, “And the reckless play of Friday night was curtailed dramatically.” (Penalty minute total: Thunder 12, Shamrocks 18)

Again on Sunday, the Thunder opened quickly and showed speed, quickness and a commitment to chase loose balls into tight places. They launched breakaways on solid defensive play and again showed variety in their offensive patterns. The Thunder scored three unanswered goals as goalie Devon Winter managed a 20 minute shutdown – on one occasion with a spectacular save on a high shot that he stopped while lying on the floor after an earlier save.

The Shamrocks finally evened the score midway through the second period on some pre-season moments of confusion. But the Thunder were able to settle down and return to the tactics that gave them the first lead. They won the game, going away.

The 2010 Jr. Thunder demonstrated on the weekend that they have what it takes to run against two of the stronger teams in the BC Jr A lacrosse league – and to win.

The Thunder play next on Saturday, April 17 – again in Port Coquitlam in the Ball Breaker tournament.