Thunder down Delta, advance to semi-finals

Langley T1 Thunder's Jeremy Dybwad knocks down his Delta Islanders opponent during Game 1 of the teams' best-of-three playoff series on July 4 in the FIELDHOUSE at Langley Events Centre. Ryan Molag photo

The Langley T1 Thunder are moving on to the second round.

The Thunder broke open a one-goal game with six unanswered goals to begin the third period, defeating the Delta Islanders 12-7 on Monday night at Ladner Leisure Centre to sweep their best-of-three BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League playoff series.

Langley won Game 1 9-8 in sudden-victory overtime on July 4, with Owen Van Ryn scoring 44 seconds into the extra period.

Game 2 appeared headed for another tight finish, with the teams separated by just one goal for most of the opening two periods. But the Thunder came out determined to avoid a deciding Game 3.

"The boys knew they needed to set the tone and push the pace, which is exactly what they did," Langley coach Connar Abrams said.

“The offence is trusting in each other, and they feel confident that anyone can put the ball in the back of the net when we need it most.”

Cam Smith scored four goals to lead the offence, while Logan Claxton (1-4) and Dallas Kilpatrick (0-5) each finished with five points. Jacob Glass and Dylan Massa both had two goals and an assist, while Colten Lifton and Van Ryn each chipped in with a goal and an assist.

Jensen McGregor recorded back-to-back 42-save performances, and has now posted a save percentage of .828 or better in six consecutive games.

“Jensen has really stepped up his game and is getting better with every minute he’s in the net,” Abrams said. “The D knows they can trust him to make the saves he needs to make.”

Michael Burt led Delta with a goal and five assists with Levi Crooks (2-2) and Logan Hinton (3-1) each finishing with four-point games.

Langley now advances to a best-of-three semifinal series against the top-seeded Victoria Shamrocks. Game 1 is Saturday (July 11) in Victoria before the series shifts to Langley Events Centre the following day. Both games begin at 12:30 p.m.

Game 1 won on appeal

The Thunder had initially been credited with a 12-10 double-overtime loss but successfully appealed after recent league rule changes switched playoff overtime from 10-minute periods to sudden-victory.

Van Ryn had scored the winning goal just 44 seconds into overtime, giving Langley a 9-8 victory. He finished with a hat trick, while Smith (2-2) and Massa (1-3) each had four points. Glass (2-1) and Kilpatrick (1-1) rounded out the scoring.

Wyatt Groom led Delta with two goals and an assist.

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