Thunder winless to start season

Jaiden Terry knocks down his Nanaimo Timbermen opponent during the Langley Thunder's BC Junior A Lacrosse League home opener on May 19 at Langley Events Centre. Ryan Molag photo

The struggles to start the season continue for the Langley Thunder.

The Junior A lacrosse team was on the wrong end of a 13-6 score on Tuesday night in New Westminster against the host Salmonbellies. Combined with a weekend loss in the Thunder’s home opener at Langley Events Centre, and the team sports an 0-3 record in the BC Junior A Lacrosse League.

With New Westminster ahead 4-2 late in the first period, the ‘Bellies scored late for a three-goal advantage and then put the game out of reach with seven unanswered goals to open the middle frame. The Thunder did outscore the hosts 3-1 over the final 20 minutes, but the deficit was too much to overcome.

Austin Vanichuk’s two goals and five points were tops for the Thunder, with the team also receiving a goal and an assist from both Brayden Bushnoe and Calum Munro. Ethan Quinn and Nathan Roseborsky popped in a goal apiece.

Caleb Khan entered the game midway through the first period and finished with 40 saves on 48 shots, an .833 save percentage for the call-up goaltender.

Against Nanaimo on May 19, the Thunder had a great start to the game with goals 16 seconds apart early in the first before Nanaimo scored five straight to close the opening frame, and then holding a multi-goal lead the rest of the way.

Vanichuk and Temeke7 Gottfriedsen each scored twice with Munro (1-2) and Nathaniel Leroux (0-3) finishing with three-point games apiece. Quinn and Jonathan Grywacheski potted one goal apiece to round out the scoring. Brayden Wandler finished with 34 saves on 41 shots, for an .829 save percentage.

Andrew Bowman’s five goals led the Timbermen with Ty Pilkington chipping in a goal and four helpers. Keegan Okino made 37 saves on 44 shots (.841 save percentage).

Up next for Langley is a road game in Coquitlam on May 24 to face the Adanacs.

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