Rust shows as Thunder drop Game 1

Langley Junior Tier 1 Thunder's Nigel Nowak defends New Westminster Salmonbellies' Graham Farstad during Game 1 action of the teams' best-of-three BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League semi-final series on July 13 at Langley Events Centre. Ryan Molag photo

Rest can be a benefit — but also a burden. The Langley Junior Tier 1 Thunder learned that lesson on Sunday night.

The Thunder fell 10-8 to the visiting New Westminster Salmonbellies in Game 1 of their BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League semi-final series at Langley Events Centre.

The Thunder, who finished the regular season 14-4 and earned a first-round bye, hadn’t played a game since June 25. In contrast, New Westminster came in sharp after sweeping their quarter-final series and quickly jumped ahead with four goals on their first five shots.

“It’s a blessing and a curse,” said Langley coach Connar Abrams. “You get time to heal, but they’ve been playing meaningful games. It can be tough getting back to game speed. We’ll be better Tuesday.”

Down 6-2 after the first period, Langley settled in, playing the ‘Bellies even in the second and scoring both goals in the third. Jameson Reed had a hat trick, Max Larsen scored twice, and Connyr Welch, Jacob Glass, and Dallas Kilpatrick also scored. Ryan Sheldrake added five assists.

Outshot 59-39, Langley goalie Marcus Khan made 49 saves, including 21 in the third. New Westminster’s Jackson Hastings had 31 saves, while Evan Connelly led the ‘Bellies with a hat trick and Graham Farstad added two.

Langley struck three times on the power play but gave up two short-handed goals.

Game 2 goes Tuesday (July 15) at Queen’s Park Arena. A Thunder win would force a decisive Game 3 on July 16 back at Langley Events Centre, while a loss would end their season.

“The boys fought back,” said Abrams. “But they know it’ll take a full 60-minute effort.”

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