The 2015 WLA playoffs kicked off this week the top two seeds having home floor advantage and naturally helps for game revenue should the series go a full seven games.
Victoria Shamrocks finished first overall (14-4), while New Westminster (12-6) were followed by Langley Thunder (9-9) Langley Thunder (9-9) and the Maple Ridge Burrards also at a 9-9 record.
It was a three way tie for the last spots that were decided by a tie breaker leaving the Lakers as the team sitting out of any post season action.
The Shamrocks lead their series 2-0 after taking the first two games winning 13-9 (BC Day) at the Q-Centre which is a rematch of last years heated league finals.
The Rocks held a slim 10-7 lead going into the third and managed to out score the Burrards 3-2, completing the 13-9 victory.
The Shamrocks Corey Conway lead the way with a 10 point night (2 goals/8 assists) with other goals coming from Corey Small (4 goals/2 assists), Jesse King who had a five point night (1 goal/4 assists) and Rhys Duch with a four point night grabbing three goals and one assist.
Shamrocks tender Aaron Bold made 39 saves on the night for a save pct. of .813
Three stars were on the night saw the Shamrocks grab all three spots.
- Corey Conway
- Corey Small
- Tyler Burton
The Burrards Dan Taylor was top scorer with a five point night (1 goal/4 assists) followed by Jarrett Davis (2-2-4), Mike Mallory (1-3-4) and Riley Loewen with four points on the night with 2 goals and 2 assists.
Burrards tender Carson Michaud finished with 38 saves managing a save % of .760.
Game Two
Both teams met for game two Wednesday at Planet Ice in Maple Ridge with both the Shamrocks and Burrards playing a tough opening period.
The visiting Shamrocks held a slim 4-3 lead after the opening 20 minutes at times collapsing the defense of the Burrards outscoring them 8-2 pulling out a 12-5 win heading home with a 2-0 series lead.
The Shamrocks were led a trio of scorers Daryl Veltman, Jesse King and Corey Small each contributing five points, Veltman (3 G/2A), King (2G/3A) and Small (4G/1A).
Saturday see’s the teams meet up for game three at the Q Centre in Victoria set for a 5 pm start while game four goes Sunday at Planet Ice in Maple Ridge at 5:00 pm.
Three stars in the game were:
- Corey Small
- Jesse King
- Rhys Duch
The Burrards were led by Ben McIntosh (2G/1A) with the Burrards sorting out how to re-group and find a way to solve the Shamrocks tough defense.
Stats to date see’s Victoria having scored 25 while the Burrards have 14 and (period by period) Victoria 9-7 (first), 9-4 (second), 7-3 (third) while the Burrards have 7 (first), 4 (second) and 3 (third) for a total of 14 in the series.
Shots are close 88-85 and see’s Victoria 34 (first), 32 (second) and 22 (third) while the Burrards have 26 (first), 29 (second) and 30 in the third.
