Fresh off a lengthy run to the National Lacrosse League final, Robert Church made his 2017 debut in Laker green and looked none the weary for it, leading the team past the Langley Thunder.
Behind his seven-point performance, Church’s Burnaby Lakers topped Langley 10-5 to improve to 4-2 on the year.
While his Saskatchewan Rush fell short of capturing a third-straight NLL title, the right-hander scored a goal in each period as the Lakers gained control early and never looked back. They led 6-2 midway through the second before Langley really pressed back. A two-goal lead after 40 minutes was kicked open with a 4-1 run in the third.
Shaun Dhaliwal also scored three times, while Cam Milligan counted a goal and four assists. Tallying twice in the win was Eli McLaughlin, while Dave Stevens added a single.
Eric Penney turned back 44 shots.
Burnaby visits Coquitlam on Saturday, before hosting Nanaimo on Tuesday.
