The Maple Ridge Burrards opened the WLA finals Wednesday, falling 9-5 to the Shamrocks in Victoria.
The Burrards fell behind 2-1 in the first period, then 5-3 after the second. They climbed within a goal in third, but then surrendered three straight goals.
Curtis Dickson, Patrick O’Meara, Ben McIntosh, Colton Porter and Riley Loewen scored for Maple Ridge, while Frankie Scigliano made 40 saves.
The Shamrocks outshot the Burrards 49-21 and scored three times on the power play and once with an extra attacker.
The game featured 147 penalty minutes, including 85 by the Burrards, most coming on three third-period fights and game misconducts.
• Game 2 is Friday, Aug. 22 at Maple Ridge Planet Ice, 5:45 p.m.
