The Vernon Source for Sports Tigers ambushed the Armstrong Shamrocks 19-6 in Game 1 of the best-of-five opening round Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League playoffs Tuesday night at Kal Tire Place.
The Shamrocks scored 31 seconds into the first when Keith Minnis buried a powerplay marker.
“I was definitely a little nervous at the start,” said Tigers’ netminder Aaron Jensen. “The regular season is one thing, but the playoffs are another season.”
The Tigers’ offence had their goalie’s back like a bra strap as they responded with five straight goals in a span of 8:56 for a 7-2 lead after the first frame.
The second period was highlighted by a spirited fight between the Tigers’ Quintin Harrish and the Shamrocks’ Todd Hoggarth. Both players given game misconducts. Hoggarth took most of the damage as his helmet popped off during the fight and Harrish’s remained on.
“It’s a series and a tough battle. There is a lot of stuff going on between the benches and our guys had enough,” said Shamrocks’ coach Chad Pieper.
Jordy Barr sniped four goals and was first star.
Nich Yadernuk had the shakes that will make you quake, as he was able to bust loose and score two goals and supplied two helpers for the Shamrocks.
“I did a great job on the fast break tonight. I pump-faked left and finished right,” said Yadernuk.
Jay Seaton, Ryan Sarazin, Liam MacPhee and Harrish each finished with a pair of goals, while Sean Connors, Tre Mason (who turned 21), Braden Barr and Brett Olsen added singles.
Minnis registered a pair and Keegan Castle supplied a single for the Rocks.
Neither starting goalie finished. The Tigers’ Jensen was replaced by Jeremy Gray at 3:35 of the third period to save energy with the score 15-4. Jensen faced 31 shots. Gray gave up two powerplay goals on 12 shots.
Cole MacFarlane was replaced by Kalvin Davyduke with 15:35 remaining. Macfarlane surrendered 16 goals on 58 shots. Davyduke was beaten three times on 13 shots.
The Tigers outshot the Rocks 71-43, and coach Pieper knows they need to cut down their shots allowed in order to be successful in Game 2.
Game 2 goes Thursday night at the Nor-Val Sports Centre in Armstrong with Game 3 Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at Kal Tire Place.
The Kamloops Venom downed the South Okanagan Flames 13-6 in their opener at Kelowna Memorial Arena Tuesday night. Their Game 2 goes Thursday night at Memorial Arena in Kamloops.
Game 3 goes Saturday in Kelowna.
