Shamrocks Take Game 1

The fourth place Langley Thunder came into the Q Center to face the first place Tier 1 Jr. B Shamrocks in game 1 of the best-of-three league semi-final and it was the Shamrocks escaping with a hard-fought 12-11 victory.

Starting goaltenders were Matthew Denis for the home team and Jansen McGregor for the visitors. The teams traded goals for the first half of period 1 before the Shamrocks opened up a 2-goal lead going into the intermission. Jordan Alexander opened scoring for the Rocks at 2:18 with a hard, low shot from outside the dotted line. Jake Hagel knotted the score at 6:01 getting in close. Jax Heavenor put the home team ahead at 7:56, hanging around in front for the perfect opportunity. Hagel picked up his second for Langley at 9:49 from just inside the dotted line. Victoria once again pulled ahead on an ‘own goal’ as McGregor floundered around in the crease and knocked it in. It was credited to Landon Lockwood at 11:51. Tying things at 3 for Langley at 13:53 was Drayton Goesen on a run. Dane Kinney got the Rocks ahead at 16:01 from outside the dotted line and Sawyer McKay made it 5-3 just 24 seconds later, cutting across in front.

After some fireworks at 4:38 of the second period that saw 3 players from each team ejected with fighting majors and game misconducts, Alexander extended Victoria’s lead to 3 with an unassisted tally at 5:58. The Thunder were not going away, however, and responded with a pair. Logan Claxton scored at 9:43 from behind the net and Cam Smith cut the Victoria lead to a single goal at 11:53 on a 2-on-1 breakaway. Heavenor picked up his second of the contest at 12:44 but once again Langley was able to pull even at 7 on Jacob Glass’ goal at 13:49 and Claxton’s second at 15:54. The teams traded goals to end period 2, Heavenor getting his hat trick marker at 17:21 and Glass replying for the visitors with his second at 18:48 on the power play. That left things tied at 8 heading into the second intermission.

Langley took the lead on Claxton’s hat trick goal unassisted at 2:11 of the final frame. Liam Vesterback got that one back for the Rocks at 2:50 on a run and Kinney put the home team back in front with his second at 6:53 from outside the dotted line. The seesaw battle continued as Josiah Allen once again tied the score at 12:39 only to have Heavenor notch his fourth goal of the game, unassisted at 13:32. Langley tied the score again at 14:33, Dallas Kilpatrick with a quick stick. It looked like it would be the case of last shot wins and in this case it was Victoria’s Landon Lockwood getting the winner at 16:03, picking up his own rebound in front, his second goal of the game. Shots overall were 54-37 in Victoria’s favor.

Jordan Alexander and Landon Lockwood led the Shamrocks offensively with 5 points each on 2 goals and 3 assists. Jax Heavenor had 4 goals while Dane Kinney also had 4 points on 2 goals and 2 assists. Jaden Roach contributed 3 assists, Theo Munroe 2 assists and Sawyer McKay and Liam Vesterback with a goal and a helper each. Matthew Denis made 26 saves to pick up the win in goal.

The Shamrocks can wrap up the series Sunday as they travel to the mainland for game 2. Should a game 3 be required, it will take place at the Q Center on Tuesday, July 14 at 5:30 pm. Stay tuned to the team website and social media for any updates. The winner of this series will advance to the league final against the winner of the series between the Coquitlam Adanacs and the Port Coquitlam Saints. The Adanacs currently hold a 1-0 lead and will also play game 2 Sunday.

- Janice Huckin