Shamrocks outshoot Burrards but come up short in Game One of WLA Finals Wednesday night

 August 24, 2016

 

Maple Ridge Burrards 11 @ Victoria Shamrocks 6 Game Recap

Shamrocks outshoot Burrards but come up short in Game One

By Lucas Wilson

Three nights after finishing a grueling WLA semi-final series, the Victoria Shamrocks started another series on Wednesday night against the Maple Ridge Burrards. The Burrards had finished their first round series against the New Westminster Salmonbellies a full week previous. The Burrards used the rest to their advantage and came ready to take on the three-time defending WLA champions. Game One went to the visitors by a score of 11-6.

The Shamrocks got off to a good start with two quick goals from Corey Small. The Burrards responded with two goals within the next few minutes to tie the game. A Rhys Duch goal made it 3-2, but that was the last time the Shamrocks would have a lead in the game. By the end of the first period, it was 5-3 for the Burrards.

The Shamrocks were held off of the scoresheet in the second period. Despite putting 18 shots on goal, they were unable to put one past Frank Scigliano. After the Lakers’ sixth goal, the Shamrocks replaced Adam Shute with Cody Hagedorn, who would finish the game in net. The second period ended with the Burrards up 8-3.

The Shamrocks found some offensive success in the third period, but it was too late. Late goals came from Cory Conway, Duch, and Braylon Lumb, but the Burrards added a few of their own to put it out of reach.

Despite the loss, the Shamrocks did outshoot the Burrards, 53-43. Shamrocks head coach Bob Heyes has a couple of days to figure out how to turn more of those shots into goals. Game Two goes on Friday night in Maple Ridge at Cam Neely Arena. The series will return to the Q Centre on Sunday night at 6:00pm.  Fans can get tickets from the team store (967 Langford Parkway), by calling 250-478-7625 or from victoriashamrocks.com.

CLOVER POINTS: The Shamrocks inducted Tom Black onto their Wall of Fame after the first period. Legendary player Gary Gait was also in the building.

STATS

Complete game stats: http://www.victoriashamrocks.com/stats/game//307/league/86015

Shamrocks playoff stats: http://www.wlalacrosse.com/stats/team/62/307/league//8071

WLA playoff leaders:http://www.wlalacrosse.com/stats/leaders?gametype=playoff

Next game (Away): Game 2 in best of 7 WLA Finals, Fri Aug 26, 6pm at Maple Ridge Burrards, Cam Neely Arena