Shamrocks Edge Timbermen for 2-0 Series Lead

The Victoria Shamrocks pulled out a defensive, tight-checking 9-7 win over the Nanaimo Timbermen on Thursday night at Frank Crane Arena to take a two games to nothing lead in the best of seven WLA semi-final series. Game 3 is set for the Q Centre on Saturday night at 7:30 pm.

The first period featured 8 goals, while the remaining two periods combined for just 8 goals in the low-scoring affair.

Victoria got 5 first period goals from 4 different sources as Tyson Gibson scored twice while Larson Sundown, Graeme Hossack and Chris Wardle added singles for a 5-3 Shamrocks lead after the 1st period.

The 2nd period saw just one goal and it went to the TImbermen's Jon Phillips at 9:55 to cut the Shamrocks lead to 5-4 heading to the 3rd period.

The 3rd period was a little more offensive as both clubs went on 3 goal runs after Jesse King extended the Shamrocks lead just: 32 seconds into the 3rd. Nanaimo would score the games next 3 goals to take their first lead of the night at 7-6 before the Shamrocks answered with 3 straight of their own to clinch the win and the commanding 2-0 series lead. Jesse King scored twice in the 3rd while Chris Boushy had the other.

Peter Dubenski was outstanding in the goaltending duel for the Shamrocks making several key, acrobatic stops on the night. His 40 saves were enough to earn him 1st-star honours. Dubenski, of course, was acquired from the Timbermen early in the season. The trade is proving huge dividends for the Shamrocks. Charles Claxton had a solid bounce-back performance for the Timbermen after being pulled in game one. Claxton made 48 saves in the loss for Nanaimo.

Three Stars:

3rd Star: Ryan Sheridan (NAN)
2nd Star: Jesse King (VIC)
1st Star: Peter Dubenski (VIC)