On Sunday night the Maple Ridge Burrards took on the Nanaimo Timbermen. The Burrards have struggled all year and were desperate to pick up a win after losing their last three games. The Timbermen were looking for a win to keep pace in the tight WLA playoff race as they currently sit sixth in the league and are only two points behind fourth place.
The game began with Scott Ranger the leading scorer in the WLA showing off his offensive skill as he drew first blood by scoring on Maple Ridge just 3 minutes into the game. Just 25 seconds after Ranger’s goal Joel Henry scored to give Nanaimo a 2-0 lead. Ranger would add another goal with 3 minutes left in the period to give Nanaimo a 3-0 lead. Maple Ridge would finally get on the board with just 2 minutes left as Riley Loewen scored to make the score 3-1. To end the period though Joel Henry scored his second goal of the game to  increase Nanaimo’s lead and make the score 4-1 after one period of play. Nanaimo’s offense continued to shine as they scored early in the second period to make the score 5-1. Maple Ridge though finally got their offense on track as they scored two consecutive goals to make the score 5-3. The two teams then traded goals back and forth for the rest of the second period as each team added another 2 goals before the period was over. After two periods of play the score was 7-5 for Nanaimo. Nanaimo once again opened the scoring in the third period but Maple Ridge quickly answered back in order to make the score 8-6. Nanaimo would add another goal from Cody Bremner to increase their lead to three and make the score 8-5. Maple Ridge’s offense would then kick into high gear and score 4 consecutive goals to take the lead and make the score 9-8. Nanaimo would quickly rally though to tie the game as Blake Kenny scored to tie the game at 9-9. Patrick O’ Meara though would score with just 9 seconds left to give Maple Ridge the win 10-9. This game was an all out brawl as the teams traded goals and punches as the two teams combined for 74 penalty minutes but in the end Maple Ridge got the last laugh and the win.
Maple Ridge finally gained their second win of the season due to their offense finally being able to find success and their ability to find a way to comeback in the third period despite having collapsed in the third period in numerous games this season. Maple Ridge received a solid performance in net from Drew Dickie as he stopped 44 of 54 shots on net. Maple Ridge’s offense was powered by Jarrett Davis and David Joyce. Davis had 3 goals and 3 assists and earned first star of the game for his performance while Joyce earned second star honors for his 3 goal performance. Maple Ridge’s next game will be a rematch with Nanaimo on Saturday July 14th in what will be another must win game for Maple Ridge.
Nanaimo did everything they could on offense in order to win the game but fell apart on defense late in the game and allowed Maple Ridge to walk away with the win. Nanaimo received a great performance from Scott Ranger who had 4 goals and 2 assists and was named third star of the game. Nanaimo will have their chance for revenge on Saturday July 14th against Maple Ridge and expect them to be fired up to avenge this loss. Nanaimo will need a win in order to keep pace and keep their playoff hopes alive.
