Langley Thunder @ Victoria Shamrocks Preview, Friday June 10 @ 7:45, Salute to Local Heroes

Langley Thunder @ Victoria Shamrocks

Friday June 10 @ 7:45, The Q centre in Colwood

Salute to Local Heroes presented by Saunders Subaru

($2 admission to all military and emergency personnel with ID)

By: Lucas Wilson

Much like first two Victoria Shamrocks home games, last week’s game brought another exciting affair to the 100.3 The Q Centre. Unfortunately for the Shamrocks, the result was not the same. After a tough game the night before, the Shamrocks engaged in another back and forth battle with the Maple Ridge Burrards. After trading goals in the third, a remarkable save by Cody Hagedorn sent the game into overtime. The Burrards scored two quick OT goals, which was enough to slip by the Shamrocks by a score of 12-10. This handed the Shamrocks their second loss in as many nights, as they fell to 3-2 in 2016.

Despite two tough losses, Shamrocks Nation has no reason to worry. Looking back, this is the same position that the Shamrocks sat in, five games into the 2015 season. The explosive Shamrocks offence continues to put up impressive numbers. As of Thursday night, Shamrocks forwards account for four of the top five leading scorers in the WLA. Cory Conway sits on top with 34 points, with Rhys Duch close behind at 27. In just two games played, Corey Small has ten goals and seven assists, tied with Jeff Shattler, who has notched six goals and eleven assists in three games. Chris Wardle has also been a consistent offensive force, with ten goals and three assists.

Tonight, the Shamrocks take on the Langley Thunder. The Shamrocks had no problem with the Thunder last year. In three games, the Shamrocks won all of them, outscoring the Thunder, 41-17. However, this is not a game that the Shamrocks can overlook. After a weeklong break, the Shamrocks will look to come out hard and get back in the win column.

Langley Thunder Scouting Report

The Thunder are off to a very rough start in 2016. After three games, they sit at 0-3, with losses to Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, and Burnaby. Like every WLA team, Langley does have some dangerous players that the Shamrocks have to look out for, including James Rahe, Mitch McMichael, and 2016 fifth overall pick Cole Shafer. Despite the poor results, the Thunder have maintained a discipline style of play, with just 36 penalty minutes after three games.

Today’s live game stats: http://www.victoriashamrocks.com/stats/game//307/league/61783

Regular season stats : http://www.victoriashamrocks.com/stats/team/62/307/league//8071

Player stats: http://www.victoriashamrocks.com/stats/leaders

Pay Per View for today’s game: under the fan zone tab near the top