The Victoria Shamrocks (7-4-1) blew 2-0 and 4-2 leads as the Langley Thunder (2-9-0) squeaked out a 6-5 upset victory in Western Lacrose Association action Wednesday night.
The heavily favoured Shamrocks took the lead just 13 seconds into the first period on the strength of a Josh Fagan goal. The tally was followed up by a Casey Jackson marker to complete a low-scoring first period.
Cole Shafer and Brandon Clelland scored 10 seconds apart for the Thunder midway through the second period, but Cole Pickup and Evan Messenger responded for the ‘Rocks to again give them a two-goal lead heading into the break.
The third period was dominated by the Thunder, 19-10 on the shot count and 4-1 on the scoreboard. Pickup got the lone goal for the Shamrocks while Langley did most of its damage late, notching three goals in the game’s final four minutes.
Cody Hagedorn was peppered in the Shamrocks net, making 50 saves on 56 shots. The Shamrocks managed only 35 shots of their own.
Victoria won’t have any time to dwell on the loss as they’ll host the Thunder tomorrow night at The Q Centre for a 7:30 p.m. start.
