Thunder season ends with semi-final loss

Langley Thunder's Jameson Reed fires a shot on goal during Game 1 of the BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League semi-final series on July 13. The Thunder lost 13-11 in New Westminster on July 15, ending the Thunder's season. Ryan Molag photo

The best season in Langley Junior Tier 1 Thunder history came to a sudden end Tuesday night with a 13-11 loss to the host New Westminster Salmonbellies at Queen’s Park Arena.

Langley jumped out to a 7-5 lead late in the first period but trailed 8-7 at intermission. The Thunder were held scoreless in the second while being outshot nearly two-to-one (17-9), as the Salmonbellies took control with a 3-0 frame. Langley cut a five-goal deficit to two late in the third but couldn’t close the gap.

With the win, New Westminster swept the best-of-three BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League semifinal 2-0 and advances to the league final against the Coquitlam Adanacs. Both top seeds—Langley (No. 2) and Victoria (No. 1)—were eliminated, with the Adanacs upsetting Victoria in the other semi-final.

Max Larsen led the Thunder with two goals and six points, while Max Goller recorded a hat trick and Logan Claxton had four assists. Jameson Reed (2G, 1A), Mason Eastgate (1G, 3A), and Madden Bakatsis (3A) also chipped in offensively. Marcus Khan made 44 saves in goal as his team was outshot heavily, 57-37.

For New Westminster, Evan Connelly led the way with four goals and two assists. Jackson Hastings stopped 26 of 37 shots in net.

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