Shamrocks Host Timbermen in Crucial Game 3

Often referred to as the swing game in a series, the Shamrocks return to the Q Centre tonight to host the Nanaimo Timbermen in Game 3 of the WLA Semifinals at 7:30 pm.  With the Shamrocks up 2 games to none, the Timbermen will either claw their way back into the series or find themselves in the unenviable position of trying to climb out of a 3-0 series hole. 

Led by the goaltending of Charles Claxton who had a solid performance in game two, the Timbermen did lots right, including holding the Shamrocks offence off the scoreboard for the entire 2nd period.  A solid 3rd period from the Shamrocks allowed them to escape Nanaimo with the 9-7 win, however. 

Special team play loomed large in game 2, and it's likely to do so again tonight.  While the Shamrocks much-heralded defence held the Timbermen to just 4 even-strength goals on the night, the Timbermen's power-play was able to strike 3 times on 6 opportunities.  The Shamrocks struggled on the power-play for much of the night, and that allowed Nanaimo the opportunity to stay within striking distance.  With the game on the line, however, the Shamrocks found the net on their final two power-play chances in the 3rd, and that ultimately was the difference in the 9-7 win. 

Acquired from Nanaimo for a 3rd round pick and financial considerations, Shamrocks goaltender Peter Dubenski continues his fantastic play against his former squad.  Dubenski was at his acrobatic best making several key stops as Nanaimo pushed to cut into the Shamrocks early lead.  Dubenski finished the night as the games first star en route to making 40 saves. 

Game 4 of the series shifts back to Nanaimo on Monday night.