Showdown for Top Spot on Tap in Burnaby

After starting the season with three straight losses there were questions about what this season may hold for a team that many felt could compete for not only a WLA title but potentially a Mann Cup.  

It's safe to say after winning their 6th straight contest last night over Nanaimo, the Shamrocks have shaken off the tough start and have shown some impressive character in the process.  Injuries to key players have proven to matter little when the games have begun of late.  The Shamrocks are looking to keep the good times rolling and have a chance to move into a share of first place in the WLA standings should they make it 7 straight wins tonight in Burnaby. 

The Shamrocks (7-4-0) travel to the Bill Copland Arena tonight at 7:00 pm to take on the 1st place Burnaby Lakers (8-4-0). 

When the club's met back on May 31st Burnaby walked out of the Q Centre with an 8-5 win. Robert Church and Daryl Veltman each scored twice for the Lakers and Eric Penney was tremendous in goal as he stopped 45 of 50 Shamrocks attempts. 

These two teams are headed in different directions entering action tonight.  The Lakers have dropped two in a row including a 15-7 decision to the New Westminster Salmonbellies last night.  The two straight losses have seen the pack climb a little closer.  In fact, just 4 points separate the 1st place Lakers from the 5th place Salmonbellies.  It's safe to say that wins and points are at a premium right now for all WLA teams as the jockeying for playoff positioning begins to really heat up. 

The Shamrocks defence will need to contend with the WLA's top sniper in Robert Church.  Church leads the WLA with 25 goals and sits 2nd in points with 50.  The Lakers themselves will need to face an offence that's starting to round into form. With the addition of Connor Robinson and the play of Chris Boushy, Larson Sundown, and Jesse King the Shamrocks attack can strike each time down the floor. 

Buckle up, we're in for a wild second half of the WLA season.