Shamrocks Season on the Brink after Comeback Falls Short

The Peterborough Lakers used a 5 goal first period en route to an 8-6 win over the Victoria Shamrocks to grab a 3-1 series lead in the 2019 Mann Cup presented by Island Savings. 

Trailing 8-3 after 40 minutes, the Shamrocks displayed the grit and tenacity that caused many to fall in love with this group over the WLA season and playoffs.  3rd period goals from Chris Boushy, Tyson Gibson, and Chris Wardle pulled the Shamrocks to within a pair at the 11:40 mark of the 3rd, but the Lakers dug in their heels and held on for the win. 

Wardle also scored back in the 1st period along with Casey Jackson. Larson Sundown had the Shamrocks lone 2nd period marker in the low-scoring frame. 

Cody Hagedorn came on in relief of starter Peter Dubenski and was sensational stopping all 17 shots the Lakers fired his way. Dubenski turned aside 24 of the 32 shots he faced in his 35 minutes of action. Mike Poulin earned the win in goal for the Lakers as he stopped 33 of 39 on the night. 

Despite the power plays being deadlocked at 4 each on the night, it was what wasn't called that had the Q Centre faithful riled up on the night.  Replay in the building showed an apparent goal that would have pulled the Shamrocks to within a goal with approximately a minute left in the contest waived off much to the chagrin of the players and fans. 

The Shamrocks will host game 5 tomorrow night at 7:00 pm in the hopes of extending the series to the weekend.  If needed, game 6 would go on Friday evening giving the Shamrocks a crucial day of rest on Thursday.  There are still seats available for game 5 and the box office will open at 9:00 am.