The Vernon Tigers bounced back after a season-opening loss with a defensive clinic against the Kelowna Raiders.
The Tigers shut down the Raiders 13-2 in Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League playThursday night at Memorial Arena.
The Tigers received reinforcements as goaltender Aaron Jensen finished exams Tuesday afternoon at the University of Saskatchewan and made it back Wednesday.
“You could tell it was his first game back. It took him a few shots and some early plays to settle in,” said Tigers’ assistant coach Keith Hanna.
Jensen carried a shutout deep into the third period, something that is a rarity in lacrosse.
“I felt pretty comfortable, there were a lot of the same guys from last year. They made it easy for me, cutting off most lanes, only allowing perimeter shots,” said Jensen.
Maybe Jensen should write exams and drive across the country before games more often.
“I haven’t played too much lacrosse lately. I got back Wednesday afternoon and I practised a few weeks ago before exams started,” said Jensen.
The Tigers didn’t give any space to the Raiders.
“Our defence was incredible last night. Guys like Brett Hanna, Liam MacPhee and Dominick Neilson did a great job not letting anyone near our net,” said assistant coach Chris Scabar.
The Tigers (1-1) had a 6-0 lead after two frames when the dam busted open, allowing Keith Hanna to rest his veteran guys and give younger players some burn.
Thomas Landels got his first goal of the season in the third. The rookie added another in the period to go with an assist.
Thomas’s brother, Darrell, one-upped him with two goals and three assists.
The Landels’ family has been good to the Tigers. The oldest, Ryan Landels, was a former captain.
Mitchell Anderson, a young lefty, had a strong game with two goals and three assists, catching the eye of his coach.
“Mitch was our player of the game, he was every where for us,” said Hanna.
Vernon visits the South Okanagan Flames (1-0)this afternoon in Penticton.
Things didn’t get any easier for the 0-4 Raiders when they lost 12-4 to the Armstrong Shamrocks Friday night at the Nor-Val Sports Centre.
Captain Cam Nelson supplied 1+5 for the 2-1 Rocks while Marlon Forrest had a hat trick and a helper. Colby Erickson had 2+1, Joel Castle added 1+3 and Cole Seidel had 1+2. Kalvin Davyduke made 31 saves for the win.
Armstrong hosts Vernon Friday night.
