A win is a win, but Burnaby Lakers coach Brad Parker hopes Tuesday’s decision over archrival New Westminster is the shape of things to come when the games count.
The visiting Lakers rode some stellar netminding and a four-goal performance from Kyle Heiling to edge the Salmonbellies 8-6 – an exhibition victory whose importance will evaporate with the start of the B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League regular season next week.
The energy and enthusiasm on display at Queen’s Park Arena, especially over the final 10 minutes when Heiling broke a 6-6 stalemate, provides a template for what the coach feels are reasons for optimism.
“We may not be as skilled as some of our opponents, but what we want to do is out-run and out-work them,” said Parker, in his third year behind the Lakers bench. “That’s kind of what we saw (Tuesday).”
With a roster peppered with intermediate and junior B players, Burnaby rolled out and grabbed a 5-2 lead in the first period, but witnessed some steady push-back by a similarly youthful Bellies lineup. They closed the gap and tied it 6-6 just 44 seconds in the third, seemingly capturing momentum for the final frame.
But netminder Thomas Hankins proved to be the biggest obstacle for New West.
The Maple Ridge native kicked aside 52 shots over the 60-minute contest to be the difference maker, and provided Parker with a pleasant conundrum as the season nears.
“We’ve got a No. 1 goalie (Graham Husick) and we expect him back, but (Hankins) really stood on his head. I’m pretty confident with our netminding, knowing he’s back there.”
For Heiling, this season is all about the team.
Last year, due to work commitments and a desire to play with his friends, he played junior B in Maple Ridge. This time, the 5-foot-9 lefthander is anxious to play at the highest level and help his new team climb the charts.
“I really want to help us make the playoffs, I’ve got friends on this team and it’s a good place for me,” said Heiling, who tallied 10 goals in 11 games while with Coquitlam in 2014. “If I can contribute with some big goals and help us win games, I’m happy.”
Burnaby awaits the return of a handful of players from college, but wants to set a tone early, beginning Sunday when they host Delta (7 p.m. at the Copeland Sports Complex).
