Thunder ride goaltending, transition game to victory

Evan Messenger (#22) celebrates following one of his goals during the Langley Thunder's 11-6 win over the visiting Nanaimo Timbermen on May 28 at Langley Events Centre in Western Lacrosse Association action. Ryan Molag photo

A win, no matter the opponent, is always great. But a victory against your former team? Even sweeter.

Evan Messenger – an off-season acquisition by the Langley Thunder – scored twice to lead his new team to an 11-6 win over his former club, the Nanaimo Timbermen on Wednesday night in Western Lacrosse Association action at Langley Events Centre.

“I had a little bit of a scouting report, but mostly just staying within myself, doing what I do well and trusting my game and luckily it resulted in two goals for me tonight and a win for the team,” Messenger said post-game. “Glad to get the win against those guys (and) wish them the best, but its Thunder time and we showed that tonight.”

The Thunder never trailed in the contest, building an early 3-0 lead, with the Timbermen only once getting within a pair of goals at 5-3 midway through the game. But Langley rattled off four straight and never looked back.

Langley improved to 2-0.

“Just leaps and bounds from game one to be honest. I can see this group already forming a lot of trust, a lot of chemistry, and I see that building and building as we continue on,” Messenger said.

“The guys are buying into that gritty, ‘hard work wins lacrosse games attitude’,” said Thunder coach Ian Poole. “We were shots, deflecting shots, we were in shooting lanes, and that is what we are asking our defence to do.

“And obviously our goaltending was outstanding today, so hats off to Caleb (Khan), he played great.”

The Junior A call-up goaltender was the first star following a 48-save performance as he posted an .889 save percentage.

A big key in the game was the Thunder’s willingness to capitalize in transition when the opportunities arose.

Six of Langley’s 11 goals came from the defence and transition with Liam Ronin, Chase Schiavon, Ben Vanderkley and Hudson Chivers each potting one while Messenger had a pair.

“We talked about how we want to try and run in numbers and take some chances when we have them. Today we took off when we needed to and made some smart decisions,” Poole said.

“His experience helps a lot. He is smart, calm, composed and that is what we are looking for from some of these leaders that have been around. He is a great addition to have. He is a calm mind back there, so we are glad to have him. He just helps our defence take that next step,” the coach added.

The rest of the Langley offence came courtesy of two goals apiece from Jon Phillips (2-2) and Connor Robinson (2-1) and one from Nathaniel Kozevnikov. Chase Scanlan also had a team-high three assists.

Thomas Vaesen led Nanaimo with two goals while Colby Bowman made 44 saves on 54 shots.

Langley now hits the road for the first time this season as they visit New Westminster’s Queen’s Park Arena to face the Salmonbellies in a battle of 2-0 teams. Game time is 7:30pm.

The Thunder’s next home game at Langley Events Centre is set for June 4 at 7:30pm as they face the Burnaby Lakers for the second time this season.

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