T-men rally, spoil Thunder home opener

Langley Thunder goaltender Keegan Okino makes one of his 46 saves during the Western Lacrosse Association season opener against the Nanaimo Timbermen on May 20 at Langley Events Centre. Ryan Molag photo

A six-goal third period by the visiting Nanaimo Timbermen erased a 3-0 Langley lead as the Thunder fell 6-5 in the season opener for both teams on Wednesday night at Langley Events Centre.

The game marked the start of the 2026 Western Lacrosse Association season.

Langley scored twice in the opening 20 minutes before adding another in the second period. But the Timbermen took control in the third, scoring four goals in a span of less than three minutes to surge ahead.

“We came out a little flat and didn’t execute when we needed to, and they were able to get on a run,” said Thunder coach Ian Poole.

The Thunder responded with the next two goals to reclaim the lead, but Nanaimo tied the game with 2:10 remaining before netting the winner with just 17 seconds to play. Langley had possession in the dying seconds but was unable to get a shot on goal.

“Defensively, I thought we played well enough to win. We just have to find a way to put the ball in the back of the net,” Poole said. “And the offence will come. It takes time to get to know each other, especially with a lot of new faces. That’s not an excuse — these are good lacrosse players — we just have to stay patient.”

In addition to the defensive effort holding Nanaimo in check for much of the game, Poole was impressed with rookie goaltender Keegan Okino, who made his WLA debut and finished with 46 saves as Langley was outshot 52-41.

“I thought our goaltending was excellent tonight, especially from a kid playing in his first WLA game. You really can’t ask for much more than that,” Poole said.

Five different Langley players scored: Nathaniel Kozevnikov, Jon Phillips, Alex Lemieux, Bailey Vanichuk and Dante Kulas. Kozevnikov and Phillips also added an assist apiece.

Noah Manning and Jeremy Wudrick led the Timbermen with two goals each, while Josh Adey and Logan Schmidt scored once apiece.

Up next for the Thunder is a road game against the Maple Ridge Burrards on Sunday (May 24). Langley returns home to Langley Events Centre on May 27 when they host the Victoria Shamrocks at 7:00 p.m.

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