Adanacs score late, prevail in OT to hand Thunder first loss

Mason Eastgate wins a face-off during his team's BC Junior A Lacrosse League home opener on May 28 at Langley Events Centre. Eastgate finished with two goals and four points but the Thunder suffered their first loss of the season, 9-7, in overtime to the visiting Coquitlam Adanacs. Ryan Molag photo

Forty seconds away from victory, the Langley Thunder let the game slip away, surrendering the tying goal before allowing two more in the 10-minute overtime period in a 9-7 loss to the visiting Coquitlam Adanacs.

The teams met Thursday night at Langley Events Centre in a showdown between the lone remaining unbeaten teams in the BC Junior A Lacrosse League. Coquitlam improved to 4-0 while Langley suffered its first defeat, falling to 4-1.

Clinging to a 7-6 lead late in regulation, the Thunder were assessed back-to-back penalties — including a 28-second two-man disadvantage — and Matthew Dane capitalized on the power play in the final minute to force overtime.

Nathan Chalmers scored the winner with 3:34 remaining in overtime before Jordan Reed sealed the game with an empty-net goal in the final seconds.

BOX SCORE

Coquitlam held a commanding 72-37 edge in shots, but Thunder goaltender Caleb Khan was outstanding with 63 saves. Through three games, Khan leads the league with a .880 save percentage.

Mason Eastgate paced Langley with two goals and four points. Josiah Allen, Kade Hoogstraten and Austin Vanichuk each had a goal and an assist, while Brayden Longacre and Xavian Washington also scored.

For the Adanacs, Kai Hartley and Parker Kennedy each finished with two goals and an assist, while Chalmers added three assists to complement his game-winning marker. Owen Byers made 30 saves.

“I think coming into the season, there was a bit of a stigma around us being such a young group and a young team. But I’m really proud of how we came out (to start the season),” said captain Graysen Balatti.

“We played hard, put the ball in the net, and showed what we’re capable of. At the same time, we know there’s still a lot of room for growth, and with a long season ahead of us, we’re excited to keep improving.”

Next up for the Thunder is another home game at Langley Events Centre as they host the Victoria Shamrocks on Sunday (May 31) at 1:30 p.m.

“We’ve got a big one on Sunday, so I think the bounce back is going to be crucial,” Balatti said. “Get a good recovery and get ready for the next one.”

-30-