Shamrocks stifle Thunder in defensive battle

Langley's Jon Phillips attacks the Victoria goal during his team's Western Lacrosse Association game at Langley Events Centre on July 9. The Thunder fell 6-3 to the first-place Shamrocks. Ryan Molag photo

It was a classic case of good news and bad news for the Langley Thunder on Wednesday night at Langley Events Centre.

Matched up against the Western Lacrosse Association-leading Victoria Shamrocks, the Thunder delivered a solid defensive effort, holding the league’s highest-scoring team to just six goals—well below their season average of 9.2 per game.

Unfortunately, the offence couldn’t follow suit.

Langley managed just three goals of their own in a 6-3 defeat, a result that keeps them in the thick of a tight playoff race. The loss drops the Thunder to 5-8 on the season, tied with Maple Ridge at 10 points for the fourth and final playoff spot, and two points ahead of Burnaby. All three teams have five games remaining.

Victoria improves to 10-2-1 and 21 points with the win.

The Shamrocks held Langley to a single goal in each period as the Thunder continued to struggle offensively. Over their past three games, Langley has allowed a total of just 18 goals but only managed one win, scoring just 14 times during that stretch.

“Our defence is keeping us in games and giving us a chance to win,” said head coach Ian Poole. “Now we just need our offence to come alive and put the ball in the net. We’re gripping our sticks too tight, and the bounces just aren’t going our way.

“Tonight wasn’t the result we wanted, but it wasn’t from a lack of effort.”

Jon Phillips, Kordell Primus, and Kyle Brunsch provided the lone Thunder goals, while Victoria goaltender Chris Origlieri earned first-star honours with 44 saves. Langley’s Caleb Khan was named third star after stopping 40 shots of his own.

Victoria’s Jesse King picked up four assists to earn the game’s second star, while teammates Zach Manns (2-1) and Patrick Dodds (1-2) each had three-point nights.

The two teams will wrap up their home-and-home series on Friday, July 11, at Victoria’s Q Centre. Game time is 6:45 p.m.

Langley’s final home game of the regular season is set for Tuesday, July 23 (7:30 p.m.) against the New Westminster Salmonbellies. That night also marks the Thunder’s annual Tessa Beauchamp Night, featuring special game-worn jerseys to be auctioned off in support of the Tessa Beauchamp Foundation.

The Langley Thunder lacrosse organization consists of Senior A, Junior A and Junior Tier 1 teams who play in the Western Lacrosse Association, BC Junior A Lacrosse League and BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League respectively. All three teams play their home games at Langley Events Centre.

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