Second-period surge sends Thunder to season-opening win

Dane Hiebert (right) and Connyr Welch celebrate Hiebert's first-period short-handed goal during the Langley Thunder's 10-8 win over New Westminster to kick off the BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League season on April 30 at Langley Events Centre. Gary Ahuja photo

The Langley Thunder kicked their season off in style on Tuesday night. Hosting the New Westminster Salmonbellies in BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League action at Langley Events Centre on April 30, the Thunder exploded for seven goals in the second period on their way to the 10-8 victory.

Twelve of the team’s 20 players are all first-year juniors, including the entire offence.

“It is a really young group, and it is going to take some time, but it is always nice to start with a win,” explained Langley coach Darren Buchan. “It should be a fun and exciting year; we’ve got some big boys on the back end and solid goaltending. We just need some time for our young guys up front to gel.”

Connyr Welch was strong all game on face-offs and led the offence with a hat trick while Cashton Hemsworth and Dane Hiebert each potting a pair of goals. Mac Timms, Mason Eastgate and Brayden Longacre chipped in a goal apiece. Caleb Khan made 36 saves between the pipes, while also contributing a pair of assists.

Ahead 3-1 after 20 minutes, the Thunder opened the middle frame with four of the first five goals. For the period, Langley scored seven times for a 10-6 lead.

“They battled. It was a tight first period, they came out in the second period and got their legs and started to play well. And then they got a little tight in the third period and had to hang on a little bit,” Buchan said.

On special teams, the Thunder did manage to score twice with the man advantage, but their power play also surrendered a pair of short-handed goals. Langley also scored once while playing a man short.

Robert Knutson scored twice for the Salmonbellies, while Kane Roberts, Aiden Graham, Cayden Barker, Charlie Johnson, Jaxson Roy and Jack Phelan had a goal apiece. Aiden Holt finished with 42 saves as Langley outshot New Westminster 52-44.

The Thunder are back in action on May 3 as they visit the Delta Islanders. Following that, the team with have 10 days off before they host the Burnaby Lakers at Langley Events Centre on May 14 with a 7:30pm start time.

-30-