THUNDER LOOK STRONG IN O/T LOSS TO VICTORIA

The Langley Thunder shut out Victoria in the third period, while scoring three goals to create a tie and force overtime in a Junior A lacrosse game – played simultaneously with the Canucks survival outing on Sunday afternoon. While Vancouver was winning in Chicago, the Thunder lost in the extra period – but they won renewed confidence that they are a team with bright, positive future.

Both teams rediscovered their poise and game plans. Both got some outstanding goal keeping. Both may see their Sunday game as pivotal.

At the Langley Events Centre, former Goalkeeper Graham Chandler returned from Delta and backstopped a defense that gave up only 6 goals in regulation time. Chandler goes into the league Goalie stats after one game in 5th position – with Goals Against Average of 7.71.

One key to Langley’s improved defense staying at full strength. The team was shorthanded for less than 5 minutes during the game – which allowed the offense to work much more effectively.

The Thunder’s maturing offense saw nine players get on the scoresheet with goals and assists from outside and from some successful penetrations to the crease for close shots.

In the first period, Reegan Comeault scored twice and assisted Sean Lundstrom on the third goal. (Lundstrom ended the game in second place in league scoring with 23 points. Comeault is fourth, with 21 points.)

Then, in the third period, goals by Nick Kozuback, Karl Ralph and Brandon Bull brought the Thunder into a 6-all tie – while the defense held the Shamrocks scoreless. Zack Porter, Bull and Lundstrom added third period assists.

In the overtime, Victoria executed a short pass/quick stick to the crease which slipped the Thunder defense and passed Chandler with brilliant speed, early in the period. The Shamrocks protected that margin, and added a second insurance goal shortly afterwards.

Then, an empty net goal and a last minute Thunder tally accounted for the rest of the 9-7 final score.

The Thunder played with more poise and patience than in earlier games. The defenders were alert and the attacking runners played mustered 49 shots to Victoria’s 46.

It was the best outing to date for the Thunder – who now await the arrival of several US College players to complete their 2010 roster.