Maple Ridge Burrards have won their first two games of the new Western Lacrosse Association season. Convincingly.
Ridge enjoyed a 13-6 win over the Langley Thunder in their home opener on Sunday night. They led 12-3 at one point, before Langley had the benefit of three power play goals in the last nine minutes of the game.
Payton Cormier had six goals and eight points, and was named the first star of the game. It was a huge breakout, but not a big surprise coming from a guy who was the NCAA Division 1 career goal scoring record holder, with 224 in five seasons.
Last season with the Burrards, Cormier battled injuries and lost some confidence, said GM Lance Andre. But his year his legs are healthy, he’s got his swagger back, and he’s having fun. Cormier has great pedigree as an NCAA star and first round pick (fourth overall) in the NLL.
“It’s time for him to earn his stripes, and he is,” said Andre.
Rookie goaltender Jack Kask was the second star, as the two-time Minto Cup champion had a 32-save effort. He came in to relieve starter Brandon Humphrey in the season opener, and has both wins for the Burrards.
“He was outstanding – he’s proving he’s a great goaltender,” said Andre.
And last year’s league MVP Marcus Klarich had a great effort, with two goals and four assists, and the third star of the game.
Klarich (six goals, four assists) and Tyler Pace (four goals, six assists) each had 10 points in a 20-12 win over the Burnaby Lakers to open the season on Friday at Bill Copeland Arena.
Cormier also had three goals and six points.
Andre said a big reason for the fast start is the addition of Pace – a world-class player who led the Calgary Roughnecks in scoring with 31 goals and 103 points.
“The team is coming together,” said Andre. “The offense is clicking, we had 70 shots last night, and the ball is moving.”
The Burrards will travel to Nanaimo on Saturday, and then host the tough Coquitlam Adanacs on Sunday, May 31 at 7 p.m. at Cam Neely Arena.