Scene Shifts to Maple Ridge for Game 2

After opening the 2019 WLA Championship Series presented by Telus Pure Fibre with a dramatic 7-6 2OT win on Friday evening, the Victoria Shamrocks will head to Maple Ridge tonight for Game 2 of the best of 7 series. 

The game 1 effort on both sides of the floor left many feeling that this series has the potential to be a long-drawn-out affair between two really evenly matched clubs.  Both sides managed to stifle the oppositions top weapons, both clubs got secondary scoring, and both goaltenders played lights out.  

Chris Wardle was the hero for the Shamrocks in game 1 as he ripped home 4 goals on the night. He now has 5 in the playoffs.  That sort of performance is what makes the playoff special.  Any given night, the Shamrocks have a player with the potential to step up and take control. 

Safe to say the Shamrocks wouldn't be 5-0 in these WLA playoffs without the performance of goaltender Peter Dubenski.  Dubenski has elevated his save percentage from .819 in the regular season to a league-best .878 in the postseason. His 5.55 GAA is almost 3 goals per game lower than the regular season as well.  Dubenski continued his tremendous play in game one as he earned first star honours once again. 

The Shamrocks knew special teams would play a huge part in this series. Maple Ridge.  During the regular season, the Burrards power play clicked at nearly 50% and they held the number one penalty kill in the league at over 72% success.  The Shamrocks held the Burrards power play off the board in game one as the penalty kill was a perfect 3 for 3, while the powerplay struck once on 3 chances of their own. 

Game 3 of the series will head back to Victoria on Tuesday night. The start time is 6:30 pm to help accommodate ferry sailings.  Tickets will be available Monday at the Q Centre Box office starting at 9:00 am, or tickets are always available online.