Tonight the WLA action continues as a rematch of the 2012 WLA final is on the schedule as the Langley Thunder host the Coquitlam Adanacs. The Thunder showed off their offensive might in their opening game as they beat Maple Ridge 13-10. While the Adanacs got out classed by the Victoria Shamrocks 10-6 and fell to 0-1 on the season.
The Adanacs will look to regroup against Langley and get their first win. The most disturbing thing for the Adanacs though is that starting goalie Nick Rose left the game against the Shamrocks due to injury and it is uncertain if he will play tonight. The Adanacs were also without Dane Dobbie, Daryl Veltman, Jeff Zywicki and Damon Edwards. Dobbie has been suffering from a concussion so his status is uncertain for this game. The Adanacs though should have Zywicki, Veltman and Edwards back in the lineup. In the absence of all these player Jesse Guerin the Adanacs off season acquisition put up three points against the Shamrocks along with Travis Cornwall who contributed with two points of his own. The Adanacs need to be tighter on defense as they cannot give up 63 shots like they did against Victoria. The Adanacs need to limit Langley’s offensive opportunities and make them pay for every chance if they hope to win.
Langley showed in their first game that they are still one of the top dogs in the WLA. The Langley offense was rolling against Maple Ridge as they had scoring from multiple players along with a strong showing in net from Brodie MacDonald. The Thunder will want to follow the same game plan as the Shamrocks and pelt Adam Shute with shots and make him work early. The Thunder have enough offense that if they can get a lead they can build on it quickly and make it hard for the Adanacs to fight their way back. Langley will want to play their game and spread the ball around in order to generate chances and take advantage of playing Coquitlam’s backup goalie.
Langley has all the tools necessary to beat the Adanacs and should prevail in this game. The injuries the Adanacs are facing are major as Nick Rose was last year’s MVP and Dane Dobbie was the team’s leading scorer in 2012. Expect the Thunder to show their offensive depth but for Coquitlam to keep the game within reach the whole game. The action kicks off at 7:45 PST.
