Thunder’s playoff series begins

Cowichan Valley Junior B Thunder heads into lacrosse playoff series against Westshore.

Westshore is going to be a chore. But Cowichan Valley Junior B Thunder lacrosse coach Josh Van Wieren feels a lot better about his team heading into a playoff series against Westshore after a stirring 10-9 comeback victory over Saanich July 11 at Peninsula.

“We’ll definitely give Westshore a run for the money of any of the teams that are in the playoffs,’’ said Van Wieren. “We’ve just got to go out there and play our game.’’

The first game was Monday in Victoria, and game two will be at Kerry Park Arena where the team is hoping for a boost from the hometown crowd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

The Thunder had an off-game against Peninsula July 9 and lost 8-2.

“We basically just beat ourselves,’’ said Van Wieren.

But Van Wieren gave full credit to Peninsula for making it tough on Cowichan.

“They suffocate you,’’ he said. “You don’t really have a lot of time to move.’’

But the game left Van Wieren in a better state of mind, even though Cowichan fell behind by three going into the third period after being tied 4-4.

The comeback to win it was incredible.

“It was a definitely awesome way to end the season,’’ said Van Wieren. “It gives us sort of a positive go-ahead against Westshore in the first round.’’

The team rallied around goalie T.J. Prokop, and Van Wieren expects nothing less in the playoffs.

“It’ll be exciting,’’ Van Wieren anticipated.

Ladysmith Chronicle