The Burnaby Lakers season didn’t start the way they were hoping it would.
The Lakers dropped a 20-5 decision against the Langley Thunder at the Langley Events Centre on Wednesday night (May 24) to kick-off the 2023 campaign.
Wakeriat Bowhunder scored two goals for the Lakers while Gordie Phillips, Brandon Luitwieler and Jacob Dunbar added one each.
Burnaby was held scoreless in the first period, with Langley jumping out to an 11-0 lead before Bowhunter put the Lakers on the board.
Robert Church was named first star of the game for Langley with five goals and four assists for nine points, Dane Dobbie was second star with eight points (six goals and two assists) while Frank Scigliano was the third star with 32 saves.
Burnaby’s home opener is scheduled for Friday (May 26) at 7:30 p.m. at Bill Copeland Arena against the Maple Ridge Burrards.
The Lakers missed the postseason last year after finishing with a 4-14 record.