One title down, more to come?
The Burnaby Lakers locked up their first Western Lacrosse Association regular season crown in convincing fashion on Tuesday, defeating the Langley Thunder 16-2 at the Bill Copeland Sports Complex.
It was the first league banner in the franchise's 27-year history.
The Thunder may have struck first, putting the first shot behind Lakers' starter Eric Penney, but Burnaby responded with a tsunami of offence, leading 9-1 after 20 minutes and 12-1 after two periods.
Eli McLaughlin and Cam Milligan led the attack with three goals apiece, while Josh Byrne and Jason Jones counted two goals each. Veteran Dane Stevens racked up a game-high seven points, while 14 players in total got on the scoresheet.
The victory leapfrogged the Lakers past Maple Ridge for first place with a 12-5-1 record, giving them home floor advantage through the playoffs.
The playoffs begin Thursday, as Burnaby hosts the Victoria Shamrocks in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series. The game begins at 6 p.m. at the Copeland arena.
The semifinal series continues Saturday in Victoria, while Game 3 takes to the floor Monday Aug. 7 in Burnaby (6 p.m. faceoff). The remaining schedule is: Game 4 - Wed., Aug. 9 in Victoria; Game 5* - Fri., Aug. 11 in Burnaby; Game 6* - Sun., Aug. 13 in Victoria; Game 7* - Tues., Aug. 15 at Burnaby. All games to start at 6 p.m.
*if necessary.
MORE to come...
