Thunder advance with game 4 victory

Curtis Dickson (shown above in game 3) busted out with four goals and six points as the Langley Thunder eliminated the Nanaimo Timbermen in game 4 of the best-of-five Western Lacrosse Association semi-final series on August 10 at Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo. Ryan Molag LEC file photo

Six points apiece from Connor Robinson and Curtis Dickson and a monster 58-save performance from Frank Scigliano have pushed the Langley Thunder through to the Western Lacrosse Association Finals.

With the score tied at 5 following 40 minutes on Thursday night at Frank Crane Arena in game four of the best-of-five semi-final series, Dickson and Robinson each scored twice in the third period while Scigliano stopped 16 of 17 shots for a 9-6 win over the Nanaimo Timbermen  to give the Thunder a 3-1 series victory.

It was the second time in the series Langley won in Nanaimo and in both cases, it was dominant third periods that were the difference as in game 2, the Thunder outscored the Timbermen 8-0 for the 17-10 win. Nanaimo had extended the series with an 8-7 overtime win at Langley Events Centre in game 3 thanks to a 5-1 advantage over the final frame and 10-minute overtime period.

Langley never trailed on Thursday, leading 2-1 after a period. Nanaimo did pull even after 40 minutes at 5-5 thanks to a period in which they outshot the Thunder 32-15 but only outscored them 4-3.

For the game, Nanaimo had a 64-48 advantage.

Dickson scored four times and set up two goals while Robinson had three goals and three helpers in the series' clincher while Robert Church and Chase Scanlan scored once apiece. Dane Dobbie finished with three assists.

For the series, Robinson scored 19 of his team's 45 goals.

Jon Phillips led Nanaimo with two goals in game 4 with Nathan Grenon, Ethan Ticehurst, Jerrett Smith and Ryan Sheridan each scoring once. Devlin Shanahan made 40 saves.

Up next for the Thunder will be a best-of-seven showdown with the New Westminster Salmonbellies, with the 'Bellies holding home-floor advantage. Langley did win two of three games in the season series but finished second with a 14-4 mark, two points back of the 15-3 Salmonbellies.

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