Maple Ridge Burrards @ Victoria Shamrocks Preview, Friday July 15th @ 7:45, The Q Centre in Colwood

 Maple Ridge Burrards @ Victoria Shamrocks Preview

Friday July 15^th @ 7:45, The Q Centre in Colwood

Speed meets Green presented by Western Speedway

Written by: Lucas Wilson

Last week the Shamrocks proved that their offence has found its form. In Friday night’s game the Shamrocks dominated the Coquitlam Adanacs by a score of 15-5. Just two nights before, the Shamrocks put up 15 on the road against the Langley Thunder. The Shamrocks offensive core of Rhys Duch, Corey Small, and Cory Conway continues to blow away the WLA, as they currently occupy three of the top four spots in league scoring. The Shamrocks have also found steady secondary scoring threats in Chris Wardle, Jeff Shattler, and Ian McShane, who have helped contributed to the league leading offence.

At the other end of the floor, recently acquired goalie Adam Shute has fit well with this Shamrocks group. He started in both of last week’s games, winning both in convincing fashion. Shute’s impressive stats have helped him vault to first place in the WLA in goals against average and save percentage. Head coach Bob Heyes has remained persistent that it will take two great goalies to help the Shamrocks continue to win, and it appears that they have found a solid tandem with Shute and Cody Hagedorn.

On Friday night the Shamrocks take on the fourth place Maple Ridge Burrards. So far, the Shamrocks have had two tight games with the Burrards, with both teams winning one matchup. With the WLA season coming down the stretch, each game grows in importance as each team tries to secure position in the standings. The result of Thursday night’s matchup between the New Westminster Salmonbellies and the Nanaimo Timbermen will determine whether or not the Shamrocks will have a chance to play for top spot in the league on Friday night.

Burrards Scouting Report

The Burrards currently sit at 15 points, just one back of the Shamrocks. A win for the Burrards on Friday night would move them past the Shamrocks for second place in the WLA, although they have played one more game. Up front, the Burrards are led by Mike Mallory who currently sits in third in league scoring with 47 points. Luke Gillespie has also continued to put up impressive numbers, as he sits seventh in the league in goal scoring with 20 goals. In net, the Burrards are backed by Frank Scigliano who sits third in the WLA in goals against average and fourth in save percentage. This game has heavy playoff implications for both teams, and promises to be an intense contest.

CLOVER POINTS: Friday’s game features a tailgate put on by Floyd's Diner and Borella Italian Kitchen by donation to the first 300.  Western Speedway is handing out Family passes to the first 500 people through the doors and showcasing feature cars on display in the parking lot; sprint car, stock car, dwarf car and a Late Model car.  The game also includes songs by local singer Jesse Roper and the National anthem sung by Ashley Armstrong. Get tickets at the tab above or call or call 250-478-7625

Live game stats: http://www.victoriashamrocks.com/stats/game//307/league/61812

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

WLA stat leaders: http://www.victoriashamrocks.com/stats/leaders

Pay Per View link: http://www.playfullscreen.com/player.php?mediaid=18565

Game Day Lineups (July 15^th, 2016) in Victoria, BC