The Shamrocks had one hell of a season as they made the Mann Cup for the first time since 2005. Unfortunately they were not able to overcome the Six Nations Chiefs in the Mann cup and lost the series 4-2.
The Shamrocks had a great season in the WLA as they finished with an 11-7 record and finished second in the WLA. In the playoffs they were able to avenge last season loss to the Coquitlam Adanacs along with defeating their rivals the Langley Thunder in the WLA final.
Much of the Shamrocks success has to be attributed to the play of Corey Small. Small was a huge part of the Shamrocks offense and posted 86 points in the regular season. The loss of Small before the Mann Cup final hurt the Shamrocks as he added another dimension to their offense. Victoria’s offseason acquisitions of Corey Conway and Scott Ranger paid off as Conway posted 87 points and Ranger had 60 points. Ranger and Conway were worth every penny they were paid and were a major reason for the Shamrocks success in 2013.
The Shamrocks also upgraded their goaltending this year by signing Matt Vinc. Vinc played only have the season and posted a 4-4 record with a 8.44 G.A.A. Vinc would pick up his play in the post season as he had an 8-2 record with a 6.81 G.A.A. Vinc’s strong post season play propelled the Shamrocks to the Mann Cup. Unfortunately in the Mann Cup Vinc ran into Cody Jamieson who had been torching goalies as season in the MSL.
The Shamrocks should not be disappointed by their loss in the Mann Cup and instead should look at it as a learning experience. If the Shamrocks can maintain the team they have they will be able to make another run next year. The Shamrocks will be the top team in the WLA next season without a doubt but they will once again have to go through Langley if they hope to make the Mann Cup once again.
