The junior A Timbermen scored a last-second victory on the weekend, but threw away those good vibes the very next day in an embarrassing loss.
Nanaimo’s B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League team (2-5) edged the Burnaby Lakers 11-10 on Saturday at the Nanaimo Ice Centre, then lost 20-1 to the New Westminster Salmonbellies on Sunday at the NIC.
“It’s heart and desire and we didn’t show it tonight,” said Dave Bremner, coach of the juniors. “It’s extremely disappointing after the last couple of games we have played.”
Bremner said the Salmonbellies dictated the play and took advantage of all their opportunities, but the Timbermen didn’t do enough to stop the visitors.
“We weren’t playing defence how we’re taught to play,” said Ethan Garland, Timbermen player. “They were just running through us like we were pylons.”
The coach said he doesn’t buy into any excuse that the T-men might have been tired playing back-to-back days.
“Eighteen to 21 years old, I think that these kids should be able to play two games a day,” said Bremner.
He said players can expect punishing runs this week at practice and said he will also be considering roster moves.
“They’re going to work hard this week and I’m expecting to see a different team next week,” said the coach.
Garland said all the team can do is try to regroup and get better.
“There’s a lot of things we’ve got to do. We’ve got to work on every aspect of our game – our offence, our defence, our team play…” he said. “We need a whole team effort. Everybody has to be working as hard as they can.”
LACROSSE TALK … In Saturday’s win, Kyle Hofer scored the game-winning goal with less than a second left in regulation. He finished with two goals, as did Joey Fendick, Paul Brebber and Tyson Roe. Ryan Sage had a goal and two assists and Quinn Smith and Marino Best also tallied. Devon Winter was the winning goalie as Nanaimo outshot Burnaby 47-34. On Sunday Winter suffered the loss in goal but backup Jericho Paul played most of the game in relief. Best had Nanaimo’s only goal. Tyler Digby had six goals and eight assists for the junior Salmonbellies … Next action for the Timbermen is Friday (May 27) against the Langley Thunder at 7:30 p.m. at the NIC.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
