Maple Ridge Burrards lost for the second time this season in a 9-8 overtime stunner in Langley on Wednesday night, June 17.
The Burrards went into the game as heavy favourites based on the teams’ regular season records so far in the Western Lacrosse Association. It was just the second win in eight outings for the Thunder, and only the second loss in eight for Ridge.
But the Burrards squad averaging more than 11 goals per game was held scoreless in the first period, the Langley jumped out to a 4-0 lead.
On the comeback trail, Payton Cormier led the Burrards with three goals and three assists, and now is tied for the WLA lead in goals with 17. Team captain Tyler Pace had a goal and three assists, and Dagan Carlson scored twice.
Burrard Reese Barnes was a beast at faceoffs, winning 16 and losing just four.
Last season’s league MVP Marcus Klarich was held to an assist, but heads into the weekend leading the league in points (40) and assists (24), and is third in goals (16).
Former Burrard Frank Scigliano stymied his old team, as the veteran Langley goaltender made 51 saves and was named the game’s first star. The Thunder’s Dante Kulas got the game winner as one of his four goals.
With the loss, the Burrards drop to second place in the league, behind the Victoria Shamrocks, who handed the Burrards their first loss of the year.
The Burrards have a shot at redemption this weekend, as they host the Shamrocks on Sunday at Cam Neely Arena. Game time is 5 p.m.