There were 2 games on the WLA schedule on Friday night as the Victoria Shamrocks took on the New Westminster Salmonbellies and the Coquitlam Adanacs took on the Burnaby Lakers.
The first game of the evening was between the Burnaby Lakers and the Coquitlam Adanacs. The Adanacs came into this game carrying a 3 game winning streak while Burnaby came into this game on a two game losing streak. Coquitlam was able to dominate the first period as they jumped out to 3-1 lead and were able to limit Burnaby’s offense in the period. In the Second period Burnaby found a solution for the Adanacs tough defense and scored 7 goals in the period and took the lead. At the end of the Second period the score was 8-4. In the third period Coquitlam dominated once again as they were able to completely shut down Burnaby’s offense and score 4 straight goals in order to tie the game up 8-8. After 60 minutes solved nothing the game went to overtime. In overtime Coquitlam jumped out to an early lead by scoring  two goals in order to make the score 11-8. Burnaby though would not be denied the win and scored 3 consecutive goals in order to win the game 12-11.
Coquitlam did everything they could to win this game, the Adanacs should be proud as despite the loss they played one of their best games this season. Coquitlam was excellent on the power play going a perfect 3 for 3 and took advantage of any mistakes the Lakers made. Coquitlam also received great play from goalie Nick Rose who stopped 41 of 52 shots. Coquitlam received great offensive performances from Daryl Veltman and Dane Dobbie. Veltman earned second star honors for his 3 goal 3 assist performance while Dobbie scored three goals and one assist. Coquitlam falls to 4-5 on the season. Coquitlam next plays on Satruday June 23 Vs. the Langley Thunder.
Burnaby was able to win this game due to their ability to solve the Adanacs defense. The Lakers received great offensive performances from Carlton Schuss who was name first star of the game for his 4 goal performance for the Lakers as while as Mike Brasica who had 2 goals and 2 assists and was name third star of the game. Burnaby with the win snapped their two game losing streak and move to 5-4-2 on the season and into a tie for first place in the WLA. Burnaby’s next game will be Friday June 29 against the Victoria Shamrocks.
The Second game on the night was between the Victoria Shamrocks and the New Westminster Salmonbellies. New Westminster opened the scoring in the game by scoring two goals in order to take 2-0 lead. Victoria though showed their offensive muscle by scoring 4 straight goals to take a 4-2 lead at the end of the first period. New Westminster dominated the second period and were able to score 4 goals as well as hold Victoria’s offense scoreless in the period. At the end of 2 periods New Westminster lead 6-4.To begin the third period New Westminter added another goal to extend their lead to 8-4. Victoria though would storm back and score 8 goals in the period in order to win the game 12-10. Victoria with the win moves to 6-2 on the season while New Westminster falls to 5-5 on the season.
New Westminster lost this game due to their third period defensive collapse. New Westminster was in control of the game until their defense imploded and gave up the win. Despite the loss New Westminster received a solid performance by goaltender Neil Tyacke who stopped 43 0f 54 shots. New Westminster was powered on offense by Corbyn Tao who had 4 assists on the night and was named 3rd star. Alex Gajic helped the offense with 2 goals and 4 assists on the night. The Salmonbellies need to continue to improve their defense if they hope to make a playoff run. New Westminster’s next game is against the Langley Thunder on Wednesday June 27.
Victoria showed great heart on Friday night as they were able to come back from being down 7-4 in the third period to winning the game 12-10. Victoria owes the win to the great play by goalie Matt Flindell who stopped 30 of 40 shots on net and kept Victoria in the game. Victoria was able to win this game due to the strong performances of Jeff Shattler, Kory Kowalyk and Karsen Leung. Shattler earned  first star for his 4 goal and 4 assist performance while Kowalyk was named second star for his 2 goal performance. Karsen Leung made a successful rookie debut picking up 5 assists in his first game as a Shamrock. The Shamrocks ability to balance their offensive and defensive play is what won them this game. Victoria’s next game will be Friday June 29 against Burnaby.
