Thunder deliver in dominant victory

Langley Thunder's Cody Malawsky scored three goals and eight points as his team took game one of their best-of-seven series over New Westminster on July 7 at Langley Events Centre. Gary Ahuja Langley Events Centre photo

It was a dominant performance for the Langley Thunder as they kicked off their post-season with a 26-2 victory over the New Westminster Salmonbellies.

The teams opened the BC Junior A Lacrosse League best-of-three playoff series on Thursday night at Langley Events Centre. Game two was scheduled for Saturday (July 9) but New Westminster was forced to withdraw due to a shortage of players because of injuries.

Game one was never in doubt as Langley scored early and often with seven goals in the first 10 minutes and a commanding 10-0 lead after a period. They stretched the advantage to 18-0 after two periods.

There was lots to like from the Langley side of things against an undermanned New Westminster team which only had 15 players compared to the Thunder’s 18.

“We wanted to focus on systems tonight and getting the ball moving,” said Langley coach Adam Smith who was pleased his team received a balanced attack as seven players had five or more points on the night and nine players scored two or more goals.

“Tonight showed how successful we can be by spreading the ball and using each other and learning to work with each other.”

Cody Malawsky (three goals, five assists) and Drew Kask (two goals, six assists) both had eight-point games while Declan Fitzpatrick scored four times and finished with six points. Stuart Phillips (three goals, four assists), Kyle Brunsch (three goals, three assists), Kaden Doughty (three goals, two assists) and Benjamin Stewart (three goals) each had hat tricks. Tristan Kirkham (two goals, three assists), Graysen Balatti (two goals) and Matt Abbott (one goal) rounded out the Langley attack.

Brayden Wandler stopped all 14 shots he faced before giving way to Troy Cuzzetto, who finished with 17 saves on 19 shots.

Daniel Battistin and Noah Faria scored the New Westminster goals.

Next up for Langley is a best-of-five series against the Nanaimo Timbermen.

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