Late-game heroics not enough as Thunder fall in OT

Langley's Dylan McIntosh scored seven times but the Thunder fell 12-11 in overtime to the Timbermen in Nanaimo on Saturday afternoon. Gary Ahuja Langley Events Centre file photo

After forcing overtime with a buzzer-beating shot and then scoring the first goal of the extra session, the Langley Thunder could not hold on for the victory, suffering a critical defeat as their playoff hopes are left with no room for error and require some big-time help.

The Thunder were in Nanaimo on Saturday afternoon to face the Timbermen, one of the teams they are battling for a playoff berth in the BC Junior A Lacrosse League post-season.

And after Caleb Pearson knotted the score at 10, scoring at 19:59 of regulation, the Thunder took an 11-10 lead on Dylan McIntosh’s seventh of the game. But Thomas Vaesen scored twice and Langley had no answer, suffering a 12-11 defeat.

The loss leaves the Thunder with a 10-8 record, two points back of second-place Victoria (11-5) and just two points up on fifth-place Nanaimo (9-5) while tied in points with third-place New Westminster (10-5). Langley has just three games remaining with all three of their rivals have games in hand, meaning the Thunder likely need to win out and hope at least one of those three does not surpass them.

Complicating matters is the fact both New Westminster and Nanaimo both won their season-series against the Thunder (Victoria did not), which is the first tiebreaker should the teams finish tied in points.

The Thunder do at least have the luxury of having their final three games all at home at Langley Events Centre, as they host Coquitlam on June 27, Delta on July 4 and then New Westminster on July 7.

In Saturday’s contest at the Nanaimo Ice Centre, the Timbermen held a slight 2-1 lead after 20 minutes before things opened up over the final 40 minutes of regulation. The teams were tied at five following the second period and then each scored five goals in the final frame to finish regulation knotted at 10.

Asides from McIntosh’s seven goals, Ryan Martel had a pair of goals and nine points and Clark Walter had a goal and three assists. Pearson had Langley’s other goal.

Cam Overby took the loss in net, allowing a dozen goals on 45 shots.

Vaesen finished with five goals and a helper for the T-Men with Arthur Miller delivering six assists. Ryan Sheridan chipping in with a goal and four helpers while Colton Lidstone and Jack Bowie had a pair of goals apiece.

Langley outshot Nanaimo 57-45 but Justin Geddie stood tall in the Timbermen net, finishing with 46 saves.

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For more information:

Gary Ahuja, Langley Events Centre, 604.613.5242 (cell), 604.455.8830 (office) or email.