Morning Star Staff
Chris Scabar is counting on his veterans to guide a younger Vernon Source For Sports Tigers squad through the early stages of the new Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League season.
So far, so good.
Darrell Landels scored twice and added three assists, and Steele Pelletier and Jordan Orr each added a pair to lead the Tigers to a 10-8 win over the hometown South Okanagan Flames Monday night in Penticton.
“It was a slow go,” said Scabar, Tigers’ head coach. “We had a short bench and South Okanagan is a really good team this year. We managed to pull out a win but it wasn’t without a fight, that’s for sure.
“The boys beared down and played very well in the last 10 minutes, but the first period or two, we struggled a bit with our defence. But we picked up the pace and came out with the win.”
The teams were tied 2-2 after one and the Flames took a 7-6 lead into the third period before the Tigers rallied with goals from Darrell Landels, Pelletier, Orr and Jay Seaton, one of many Tigers playing injured.
“The guys who stood out were the guys that were hurt from the first game (in Armstrong Friday),” said Scabar. “We went to war in Armstrong, and the veterans really led us to the win in Penticton. Had guys playing with stitches, twisted necks, lots of injuries, but they played through all that and helped us to a win.”
Liam MacPhee, Braden Barr and Thomas Landels had the other goals for Vernon, who outshot the Flames 64-51 with the Tigers receiving another fine effort in goal from veteran netminder Aaron Jensen.
“Aaron’s been our MVP in the first two games,” said Scabar. “He really stood out last night and kept us in the game.”
Jensen’s counterpart, Dean Grimm, made 54 saves for the Flames, who were led offensively by Mitch Brodt’s six goals, four of which came in the second period.
The Tigers, who play their first five games on the road, visit the Kamloops Rattlers Saturday. Vernon’s home opener is Saturday, May 23, against the Flames.
The Armstrong Shamrocks return to action Thursday when they visit the Kelowna Raiders.
Haden Hoover had 4+2 and Josh Bosher added 3+5 as host Kamloops outlasted Kelowna 14-12 Saturday night. Chase Bremner and Marcelo Bose had hat tricks for Kelowna.
