The Burnaby Lakers finished off a successful road trip to Vancouver Island that ensured them second place in the Western Lacrosse Association.
The Lakers downed the Nanaimo Timbermen 12-5 on Saturday after handing the first-place Victoria Shamrocks just their second defeat this season, winning 9-6 at the Q Centre on Friday.
“We’re happy with a lot of things,” said Lakers head coach Rory McDade. “Our goaltending has been great the last five games. Our defence has been good and our offence has been good.”
Club scoring leader Dane Stevens led the Lakers in the provincial capital, piling up seven points including a hat trick in a pivotal 4-1 third period.
Robert Church had all three of his points, including a pair of goals in the game-changing final frame.
Casey Jackson also had a three-point third period to finish the game with two goals and as many helpers.
Tyler Richards registered 34 saves to chalk up his seventh win of the season.
In Nanaimo, Burnaby ran away from the T-Men following an unanswered 6-0 third period to wrap up the runner-up spot in league play with its 11th win this season and 22nd point.
Jackson earned the first-star nod, collecting three goals and seven points. Shaun Dhaliwal also registered a hat trick in a six-point outing. Church matched Dhaliwal with a six-point night.
Tyler Digby also scored a pair of goals, while Richards improved his save percentage to .800 with the win.
Burnaby will close out its regular season against Coquitlam at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre on Friday. Game time is 7:45 p.m.
Looking ahead, the upcoming WLA playoffs offer an interesting matchup in Round 1.
Burnaby, with one of the worst home records in the league this season, will take on the Maple Ridge Burrards, a team with one of the best records at home, in the first round of playoffs.
“I’m not too worried about home and away records. I’m just happy with the way we’re coming together now. It’s an intriguing series on paper,” said McDade. “Maple Ridge has a strong defence – one of the biggest and hardest hitting. We definitely will have to use our speed and keep attacking them.”
In other WLA action, New Westminster secured its position in the post season following a 9-5 win over the Adanacs in Coquitlam on Saturday.
New Westminster will play Victoria in its first-round playoff matchup.
