Jason Jones’ first goal of the season was a big one for the Burnaby Lakers senior A lacrosse club.
Jones scored the eventual game-winning tally to give Burnaby a 9-8 victory over the Maple Ridge Burrards in the Western Lacrosse Association season opener for both teams at Cam Neely Arena on Sunday.
Jones’ goal gave the visitors a 9-6 lead with less than eight minutes gone in the final period and then Burnaby hung on for its first win in 2015.
Burnaby got off to a strong start, building on a 3-1 first-period lead with three straight goals to start the second period before the Burrards closed the gap with four counters in a four-minute span.
Justin Salt gave the visiting Lakers a two-goal lead heading into the final period with an even-strength goal on transition late in the frame.
Joe Bell stopped 28 shots in his first start for the Lakers since 2013.
Jones led all Lakers with four points.
First star Casey Jackson sparked the Lakers’ quick start, scoring three of Burnaby’s first six goals in a seven-minute span between the first and second periods.
Third star Dane Stevens scored a pair of goals to help fan the team’s red-hot start, while also assisting on Jones’ game-winner with teammate Jackson Decker.
Second star Mike Mallory scored two goals and added two assists for the Burrards.
This Friday, Burnaby is in Victoria at the Q Centre for a tilt against the 0-2 Shamrocks.
The Lakers open at home on Tuesday, June 2 at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre against the Langley Thunder. Game time is 7:45 p.m.
The New Westminster Salmonbellies kickoff their WLA season today (Wednesday) against the Thunder at the Langley Events Centre.
The Salmonbellies open at home on Thursday, May 28 at Queen’s Park Arena against the Coquitlam Adanacs. Game time is 7:45 p.m.
