Thunder set to clash with Timbermen on Country Night

by Gary Ahuja

Langley Thunder goaltender Steve Fryer is off to a solid start to the season as he is top four in the league in both goals against average and save percentage. Garrett James Langley Events Centre photo

The Langley Thunder are set to host the Nanaimo Timbermen on Country Night at Langley Events Centre.

The Senior A Thunder typically play their home games on Wednesday night but have a special Saturday night game tomorrow (June 8) at 5 p.m.

The teams come into the game off home losses with Langley losing 11-8 to the New Westminster Salmonbellies on June 5 while the Timbermen dropped a 12-9 decision to the Victoria Shamrocks on June 6. Nanaimo is 2-1 on the season while the Thunder are 1-3.

Both teams are coming off similar defeats in their most recent outings.

For Langley, the team had a solid 40 minutes, playing the Bellies to a standstill through the first two periods. But New Westminster scored four straight to open the final frame and the deficit was too much to overcome for the Thunder.

Nanaimo was also even with the Shamrocks at 6-6 through two periods and after the Timbermen took a 9-8 lead with six minutes to play, the Victoria visitors rattled off the game’s final four goals for the victory.

Through four games, the Thunder offence has yet to find its stride with just 7.50 goals per game, fifth in the league, as they struggle with injuries up front.

Connor Robinson leads the team with 13 points while rookie Brad McCulley is tops on the team with six goals and second with 11 points. And James Rahe is coming off a four-goal, six-point performance in the Thunder’s most recent contest.

Both their special teams are also ranked fifth with a power play connecting on one out of every three chances while their penalty kill is allowing a goal every second opportunity.

And despite allowing the sixth-most goals in the league at 10.25 per game, Steve Fryer is fourth in the league with an 8.33 goals against average and an .840 save percentage.

And in addition to the lacrosse on the floor, fans are in for a treat in the stands and post-game with several giveaways during the game, a post-game party in the Banquet Hall and a free shuttle service afterwards to Gabby’s Country Cabaret.

For tickets, click here.

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For more information:

Gary Ahuja, Langley Events Centre, 604.613.5242 (cell), 604.455.8830 (office) or email.