Adanacs edge Thunder in first-place showdown

“We played a better team tonight.”

That was head coach Matt Beers blunt assessment following the Langley Junior A Thunder’s 9-8 loss to the visiting Coquitlam Adanacs on Thursday night at Langley Events Centre.

The teams entered the contest tied atop the BC Junior A Lacrosse League standings, but the Adanacs (9-1-1, 19 points) moved two points ahead of Langley (8-4-1, 17 points) while still holding two games in hand.

After opening the season 6-1-1 — a stretch that included a tie against the Adanacs — Langley has now dropped four of its past six games.

Coquitlam scored on its first shot of the game, and although Langley answered on its opening attempt as well, the Adanacs never relinquished the lead. The Thunder twice pulled within a goal and had the ball for the final possession but could not net the tying goal to force overtime.

“Both ends of the floor, they were better than us,” Beers said. “We have to go back to the drawing board because if that is the best we have to offer, we are in trouble. But I am confident we can figure out ways to get more out of the guys.”

The Adanacs outshot Langley 49-35 in the game with Caleb Khan finishing with 39 saves. Austin Vanichuk led the offence with a hat trick and six points, while Parker Doyle had two goals and an assist. Mason Eastgate, Jacob Glass and Brayden Longacre each chipped in with a goal and an assist.

Parker Kennedy (3-2) and George Caldroney (1-4) led the Adanacs with five points apiece and Owen Byers made 27 saves in the Coquitlam goal.

Langley returns to action on July 3 with a rematch against the Adanacs at Coquitlam Sports Centre (7:00 p.m.). The Thunder are back home on July 9 when they host the New Westminster Salmonbellies at Langley Events Centre.

-30-