WLA Finals: Third-period flurry sends Shamrocks to Game 2 victory

Langley's Matt Abbott and Cal Slade (#2) defend against Victoria Shamrocks' Jesse King during first period action during Game 2 of the Western Lacrosse Association Finals at Langley Events Centre on Aug. 19. Ryan Molag photo

A trio of third-period goals in a span of 84 seconds was too much to overcome for the Langley Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Lacrosse Association Finals.

The Thunder had cut the deficit down to 6-5 at that point before the visiting Victoria Shamrocks scored on the power play, at even strength, and then shorthanded, to open a 9-5 advantage in what became a 11-7 victory on Monday night at Langley Events Centre.

The Shamrocks took Game 1 by a 10-8 score on Saturday in Victoria and now lead the best-of-seven series 2-0. The series resumes on Wednesday (August 21) once again at Langley Events Centre with a 6:30pm start time before returning to Victoria’s Q Centre on August 23.

“We know we need to be at our best against this team; they went undefeated for a reason. We have to limit our mistakes,” said Thunder coach Bryan Poole.

“They went on a 3-goal run in the third period and we paid for it.”

Victoria led 3-1 after a period and the deficit could have been even larger as the Shamrocks outshot Langley 24-14. The Thunder battled back to tie it at 3 midway through the third before surrendering back-to-back power-play goals before pulling to within a goal at 5-4 heading to the intermission. The teams again traded goals to start the third before the Shamrocks gained separation with their three-goal run.

Both teams scored three times on the power play with Victoria earning six chances to Langley’s four man-advantage opportunities. The Shamrocks also had one short-handed goal.

Robert Church led Langley with two goals and five points while Connor Robinson (0-3), Clay Scanlan (2-1) and Chase Scanlan (1-2) each finished with three-point games. Nathaniel Kozevnikov (1-1) and Kyle Brunsch had a goal apiece.

Caleb Khan finished with 44 saves as the Thunder were outshot 55-42.

Jesse King (2-3), Marshal King (2-2), Mathieu Gautier (2-1) and Trent DiCicco (2-0) each scored twice for Victoria. Chris Origlieri made 35 saves in goal and was the game’s third star with Jesse King and Church earning first and second star honours, respectively.

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