1. Nanaimo Timbermen
Record: 2-0-0 Goal Differential: +5
Last Week: 8-6 W at Victoria, 12-9 (OT) W vs. Victoria
This Week: vs. New Westminster, at New Westminster
Nanaimo is the talk of the league this week, thanks to their two wins over rivals and defending champions Victoria. These wins are huge for the confidence of the T-Men, who have stockpiled a lot of young talent and can use this momentum to be a very tough out during the season.
Their trio of offensive dynamos – Cody Bremner, Mitch Parker and Brody Eastwood – are the top three point leaders in the WLA, respectively. They’ll get a tough test this week as they’re in another back-to-back, this time with the Salmonbellies. New West’s tough defence will be a good test for Nanaimo’s resolve.
- New Westminster Salmonbellies
Record: 2-0-0 Goal Differential: +11
Last Week: 6-5 W at Langley, 12-2 W vs. Coquitlam
This Week: at Nanaimo, vs. Nanaimo
The Salmonbellies are going to be a tough team to score on this season, if Coquitlam and Langley’s struggles are any indication.
Eric Penney and Alexis Buque are a quality goaltending duo and New Westminster has contributing talent all over their roster. They put on a clinic at times in their 12-2 win last night over Coquitlam with Logan Schuss and Richard Lachlan potting a hat trick each. With a supporting cast of guys like Colton Clark, Jordan Mcbride and Keegan Bal, New West might be one of the most balanced teams in the league.
- Victoria Shamrocks
Record: 0-2-0 Goal Differential: -5
Last Week: 8-6 L vs. Nanaimo, 12-9 (OT) L at Nanaimo
This Week: vs. Burnaby, at Maple Ridge,
It wasn’t the start Victoria imagined themselves having, but I don’t think anyone is going to count these guys out. They will continue to miss some key players due to NLL and MLL commitments including new transfers “Dangerous” Dan Dawson and Edmonton Rush goaltender Aaron Bold.
I think it’ll be easier to get a read on this team’s talent level when they get those players back, but they do need to right the ship in the mean time. They get two good shots to do so this weekend against stiff competition in the Lakers and Burrards. Victoria has a home-and-home this week with the Burrards; those two teams had a nasty series in last year’s championship with the Shamrocks reigning victorious.
- Burnaby Lakers
Record: 1-0-0 Goal Differential: +1
Last Week: 9-8 W at Maple Ridge
This Week: at Victoria, vs. Langley
The Lakers got a good performance from goaltender Joe Bell and were able to exact some revenge from last season with a big win over the Burrards in Maple Ridge’s home opener last Sunday.
Burnaby was successful thanks to a strong defensive effort, especially in the third period where they were able to hold on to their three goal lead. They’ll get a good test this weekend in the Victoria Shamrocks who will be hungry for their first win of the season.
- Maple Ridge Burrards
Record: 0-1-0 Goal Differential: -1
Last Week: 9-8 L vs. Burnaby
This Week: vs. Victoria
Maple Ridge is another team missing some key components of their roster, including goaltender Frankie Scigliano. While falling just short of a win in their home opener, there are reasons to be optimistic: the Burrards are a tough team to play against and have great team character.
If you’re looking for a reason to cheer for Maple Ridge, Daniel Amesbury is one of the WLA’s toughest customers, and he’s not afraid of getting in a fight to boost momentum for his team. But the skills of a guy like Mike Mallory are just as big of a draw; Mallory scored two goals and added two assists in the loss. Maple Ridge is a team to track as we get further into the season.
- Langley Thunder
Record: 0-1-0 Goal Differential: -1
Last Week: 6-5 L vs. New Westminster
This Week: at Coquitlam, at Burnaby, vs. Coquitlam
The Thunder showed great resolve in coming back from three goals down in their season opener against the Salmonbellies, but ultimately fell just short, losing 6-5.
Fans should be excited about the offensive depth the Thunder can roll out on any given night and they still have one of the WLA’s better goaltenders in Brodie McDonald. The Thunder could make some noise once they find some chemistry. They have an intriguing blend of veterans and younger players that make up a competitive balance within their club.
Saturday’s game in Coquitlam could give us a better idea of which direction both teams are trending.
- Coquitlam Adanacs
Record: 0-1-0 Goal Differential: -10
Last Week: 12-2 L at New Westminster
This Week: vs. Langley, at Langley
The A’s had a rough start to their season, losing 12-2 to rival New Westminster, but there are reasons for optimism here as well. Wes Berg is fresh off winning the NCAA D1 national championship with the University of Denver Pioneers and could be on his way back to Coquitlam. There have been rumours of Berg staying in Denver to play with their MLL club, as well as a rumoured move out east (Oakville) but he could really be a difference maker with the Adanacs.
Coquitlam invested a lot for Berg’s services and are certain to have a long term vision in mind to rebuild the club. Without Berg, they may struggle at times offensively, but the hope is players such as Corey Shires, Brandon Bull and Travis Cornwall can help navigate some rough waters.
Check out the WLA’s newly re-designed website at wlalacrosse.com for schedules, statistics, analysis and more.
