Quit giving the Kelowna Raiders powerplay chances and the Armstrong Shamrocks can force a third-and-deciding game in the Thompson Okanagan Senior Lacrosse League final.
Failure to accomplish that mission tonight in Game 2 at 7:30 at the Nor-Val Sports Centre will result in the Raiders lifting the championship trophy on the ‘Rocks’ home floor.
The Shamrocks couldn’t beat the traffic, heat or Raiders in the series opener Tuesday, won by Kelowna 15-11.
“We have to look to stay more disciplined if we want to win,” said veteran Armstrong goalie Chad Pieper. “If we keep giving them chances, this series is going to be over quick.”
The game, played in 40-degree Celsius temperatures in the sweat box that is Kelowna Memorial Arena, was delayed 20 minutes to accommodate late arriving Shamrocks players who were caught in the traffic jam on Highway 97 as a result of a fatal accident.
Cory Siegner and Patrick McMillan had three goals each for the Raiders, who enjoyed period leads of 6-4 and 13-9. Luke Bailey and Joe Brown each had 2+3.
Carston Schlaak led the Irish with 2+5 while Steve Clark chipped in 3+3. Kyle Versteeg and Jarrett Medhurst added 2+2 while single markers went to Kriss Yargeau and Tyler Plante.
Pieper made 51 saves as Kelowna outshot Armstrong 66-62.
The Shamrocks will welcome back Pat Nelson, Rob Rintoul, Jamie Cockerill and Shaun Koenig to the lineup tonight. The quartet missed Game 1 due to work and other commitments.
Game 3, if necessary, will be Tuesday in Kelowna.
