CALGARY, AB — Entering the week, both the Maple Ridge Burrards and the Victoria Shamrocks had 3-1 strangleholds on theirrespective series.
However, things went in very different directions from there.
For the Burrards, they made quick business of the New Westminster Salmonbellies with an 11-10 win in Game 5.
Now, the win wasn’t as easy as it sounds. Maple Ridge trailed the Bellies 10-6 after two periods and would need to mount a huge comeback to claim the victory. They did just that by scoring five goals and relying on goaltender Frankie Scigliano to shut down the New West offence.
With 11 saves in the third period, Scigliano led his team to the series win and a berth in the WLA Finals. On the day, the big man made 44 saves, while earning the game’s third star.
For the Salmonbellies, it was not the best game for Brandon Goodwin. The lefty was held scoreless on five shots and couldn’t figure out Frankie on this night.
In the other series, the Burnaby Lakers had their backs up against the wall.
And that’s just where they wanted to be.
They battled extremely hard and played some fantastic, physical lacrosse to win two straight games to force Game 7 against the defending champion Victoria Shamrocks.
In Game’s 5 and 6, some Roughnecks players made big contributions.
Tyler Digby combined for one goal and eight assists while his teammate Peter McFetridge did not register a point.
For the Shamrocks, Jeff Shattler had two strong games, netting one goal and seven assists. Jon Harnett (1g, 1a) and Tyler Burton (1a) both jumped into the offensive efforts. Meanwhile, Greg Harnett was not active on offence in either game.
Heading into a crucial Game 7, both teams were looking to bring their A-game.
And boy did they bring it.
After falling behind 11-4, the Lakers turned it into high gear and scored seven goals in the final frame. Unfortunately, the Shamrocks added another three goals and took the game 14-11.
Tyler Burton won 20 of 27 face-offs in the contest and scored a big goal to earn the game’s second star. Shattler (2g, 1a) and Jon Harnett (3a) both added three points, while Greg Harnett was once again scoreless.
Now, the Victoria Shamrocks will meet the Maple Ridge Burrards in the MSL Finals to decide which team will have the right to compete for the Mann Cup.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Maple Ridge Burrards vs. Victoria Shamrocks — Aug. 24
Victoria Shamrocks vs. Maple Ridge Burrards — Aug. 26
Maple Ridge Burrards vs. Victoria Shamrocks — Aug. 28
