Visiting Port Coquitlam Saints got off to a quick start against the 91原创 Thunder, scoring five times in the first 14 minutes.

And while they managed just five more goals for the remaining 44 minutes, the early cushion was enough for the visitors to hold off 91原创.

The two BC Junior A Lacrosse League rivals were playing at 91原创 Events Centre on Thursday, May 11, with the Saints improving to 3-0 thanks to a 10-9 victory.

Thunder coach Adam Smith said the Saints came out strong and while his 91原创 team got better as the game wore on, they could not net the equalizer. The loss drops 91原创 to 1-2 for the season.

Despite the setback, the coach saw plenty of positives to take away from the game, including the fact they were able to integrate some new concepts from their last practice into Tuesday鈥檚 game.

鈥淭hat is good, especially being such a young team,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd I like the effort they are putting in 鈥� they are trying to do the right things out there, we just need some time to put it all together.鈥�

Temeke7 Gottfriedsen led the 91原创 offence with a hat trick while Jack Margetson had four helpers and Bailey Vanichuk led all scorers in the game with a goal and five assists.

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Braiden Struss (2+1), Hudson Zazelenchuk (2+0) and Grayson Balatti (1+1) rounded out the Thunder scoring.

While he has only played two of his team鈥檚 three games this season, Vanichuk 鈥� in his first taste of Junior A action 鈥� is proving he belongs, leading the Thunder with nine assists and 11 points. He also came up with a kick save as the Saints tried to score into the empty net, saving a goal and allowing the 91原创 offence one last chance at forcing overtime.

Known more for his offence, Vanichuk also delivered a huge hit for a well-rounded game.

鈥淗e had the big save at the end, he had a huge hit. He has got a good stick and has good vision. He is one of those guys who as he adapts to the 鈥楢鈥� game, he is going to get lots of looks. He just has to trust himself, which he is starting to do,鈥� Smith said.

In goal, Brayden Wandler finished with 46 saves for the Thunder while the Saints, Gage Stevens made 46 saves on 55 shots. Hunter Meyer (3+0), Andrew Cowan (0+4) and Josh Mills (2+1) led the Port Coquitlam offence.