Mann Cup Chase Moves up the Malahat

Written by Ian McNaughton

August 3, 2018

Victoria, BC – Game #2 goes on tonight between your Victoria Shamrocks and their North Island Rivals, the Nanaimo Timbermen. If Game #2 is anything like Game #1, fans attending the game at the Frank Crane Arena will be in for a treat. A thrilling Game #1 set the tone for how the rest of the series will play out. The Timbermen took down the Shamrocks in a dramatic 12-11 double-overtime win that was a lacrosse game for the ages. The game was constantly changing leads and there were several moments in which one team appeared as though they could pull away. Instead, fans were treated to an extraordinary game that proves that this series is up for grabs and anyone can win on any given night. 

Game #2 is an opportunity for the Shamrocks to rebound and beat their rivals in their own building. Nanaimo was 8-1-0 at home in the regular season which was tied with New Westminster for best in the league. For the Shamrocks, they were one of two teams in the league with a winning record on the road (5-4-0). The head-to-head record between these teams is 2 wins and 2 losses each. Three of those games have been decided by 3 goals or less with two of those games going into overtime. These games have been close, competitive, and it is usually the last team that scores will win. 

The Timberman people should be watching closely is Chase Fraser. Fraser had a hat-trick in Game #1 and all three of his goals came in timely situations. His first goal tied the game at 5 in the second period. His second goal came at 11:48 of the 3rd period which gave them an 8-7 lead. His third and final goal came with 1.8 seconds left in the overtime period and pushed the game into sudden death. All of Fraser’s goals were critical but no goal was more significant than that one. 

Game #2 is available to stream via WLA TV tonight. Game #3 goes on Sunday 7:30pm in Victoria at The Q Centre, tickets are on sale for that game which can be purchased here. As for the rest of the series, it will continue with Game #4 on August 7th in Nanaimo, Game #5 on August 10th at The Q Centre, Game #6 will August 12th in Nanaimo, and Game #7 will be on August 14th in Victoria. Games #6 and #7 are only if necessary right now.