ROOKIES LEAD THUNDER IN JR. A HOME OPENER

The Langley Thunder’s home debut featured some outstanding performances by the young leaders on offense. And spiffy new uniforms!

The more versatile Burnaby Lakers, however, were able to post a 9 – 5 victory in the inaugural 2010 game at the Langley Events Centre.

The game was fast and the checking, and for the most part, was tight and aggressive.

In a penalty-filled first period, Burnaby opened the scoring on a power play just after the 3 minute mark and opened a two goal gap two minutes later.

The Thunder’s rookie offensive unit began to respond at 5:32 as Nick Stone took a pass from Reegan Comeault, stepped to the crease with a dramatic fake on the Burnaby defender and buried a low drive for the first goal. Colton Porter was also given an assist on the play. Five minutes later Porter picked up the first of his two back to back goals in the first period. On both, assists were given to Kevin Lemond. Stone and Comeault took assists as well.

The baton went back to Reegan Comeault in the second period as he scored unassisted at 6:51 and then at 10:50 with assists from Kevin Lemond and Sean Lundstrom.

The second period started with the Thunder successfully killing a 5 minute penalty given to Colten Hayes for crease play in a melee at the Burnaby goal that ended the first period.

The Thunder defense gave up four more goals in the remainder of the game.

Shots on goal were virtually even. Langley’s Keenan Lambright faced 42, Burnaby 43 – although Burnaby’s shots often came from successful penetration to the crease.

Langley penalty minutes 19. Burnaby 21.

The new Thunder uniforms feature their white and blue combination in a traditional pattern. The combination of the rich Royal Blue and the Langley Events Centre lighting give the team a fresh, classic look.

Next games:

At Queen’s Park vs. New Westminster Salmonbellies on Tuesday, May 4th at 8:00 pm.

At Langley Events Centre on Thursday, May 6th at 7:00 pm as they host the Nanaimo Timbermen.