Shamrocks Down 2-0 in Series

It was a tough weekend for the Jr. Shamrocks as they knew it would be in their sem-ifinal series against the high-flying Coquitlam Adanacs.  After dropping a tough 14-10 decision in game1 Saturday on the mainland, the Rocks returned to the Q Centre hoping to steal a win Sunday but it wasn’t to be. Despite holding a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes, the Shamrocks fell 14-5 in game 2 and face a daunting task in the best-of-five series. 

Will Kinnaird started in goal for the Shamrocks with Christian Del Bianco between the pipes for the Adanacs.  Coquitlam scored first, Thomas Semple connecting with a quick stick in close at 3:55.  Victoria’s power play responded at 4:30, just 11 seconds into the man advantage, Braylon Lumb converting a pass from the side of the net.  Skyler Wilson gave the Rocks the lead at 9:37, another power play goal in close.  Before the period ended, Cameron Garlin made it 3-1 Shamrocks, also getting in close to beat Del Bianco at 17:13.  That’s how the period ended, 3-1 for the home team with shots on goal 13-12 for the Shamrocks. 

Unfortunately for the Shamrocks a different Coquitlam team showed up for the middle frame as they ran over the Rocks scoring 6 goals and allowing none.  A Coquitlam power play drew them within a goal at 4:25, Dennon Armstrong getting in close.  They tied the score at 6:44 on Colin Munro’s shot from in close and took the lead at 7:39, Tommy Scanlan appearing to be in the crease to do so.  They added 3 goals in the last minute as Keenan Koswin, Munro and Baden Boyenko all scored between the 18:58 and 19:58 mark to take a 7-3 lead into the final period.  Coquitlam had the edge in shots on goal by a 19-11 margin. 

The visitors kept their run going with the first 3 goals of the final period, the first two coming just 6 seconds apart. Victoria finally broke the string with a power play goal off the stick of Nick Preston at 6:58.  After Coquitlam’s Kai Mcdonald scored at 11:56, Lumb picked up another power play goal for the Shamrocks at 12:15 with a loose ball pickup in front of the net but the Adanac sadded 3 unanswered to come away with the resounding victory.  Again the visitors had the edge in shots on goal 21-14 and 52-38 overall. 

Braylon Lumb was the only Shamrock to beat Del Bianco more than once, finishing with 2 goals and 1 assist.  Nick Preston added a goal and 2 assists with other goals coming from Cameron Garlin and Skyle rWilson.  Marshal King had a strong outing with 4 assists and Brad McCulley added 2 helpers. 

Game 3 takes place on the mainland next Saturday, a 2:00 start at the Coquitlam Sports Complex and, should a fourth game be required, it will be Sunday at 2:00 pm at the Q Centre. 

The Jr.and Intermediate Shamrocks are gathering Monday to present team awards.  The Intermediate Shamrocks will participate in playdowns to try and secure a berth in the Provincials scheduled for the August long weekend at the Langley Events Centre..