There were no small victories, but new head coach Patrick Burgon noted that there were a few strong signs.
The Burnaby Lakers launched the intermediate A lacrosse season on the weekend with a pair of losses, but two very different kinds.
A harsh 18-3 season opener in Langley was a product of nerves, short numbers and losing the starting netminder after the first period.
Turn the page to Sunday, and Burnaby gave visiting Victoria a strong challenge before succumbing 10-9.
Langley’s decisive win was more a part of having to throw a midget call-up goalie into the net -- which is larger than the midget league’s nets -- after the Lakers starting netminder had to leave the game.
As deceiving as the score from the first game was, the team displayed resilience in offering a strong defensive challenge to the visiting Shamrocks on Sunday, and that’s progress which bodes well for a playoff push, says Burgon.
“We only had three weeks to train, and there was not one night where we had everyone,” said Burgon, in his first season behind the Lakers bench. “The guys that we have here are capable and talented enough to be a top-three or four team... I have a lot of confidence in them.”
Sunday’s loss saw Victoria try to set a physical tone early, but the Burnaby players replied and give as much as they got.
“We were up 1-0 right from the opening faceoff,” recalled Burgon. “Victoria kind of did their thing, tried to push us around but our guys stood up. We talked about team toughness (in practice) and they got a quick chance to show that they had each other’s backs. I was impressed.”
Netting two goals apiece for the Lakers were Mackenzie Burns, Josh Dumont, Liam O’Connor and rookie Ethan McLaren.
Burnaby pays a visit to Richmond tonight (Wednesday) and plays host to Delta on Thursday, 8 p.m. at the Copeland Sports Centre.
