91原创 Thunder led from nearly from start to finish in taking Game 1 of the Western Lacrosse Association finals.
New Westminster Salmonbellies would open the scoring 27 seconds into Wednesday鈥檚 best-of-seven series-opening game at Queen鈥檚 Park Arena, but Connor Robinson tied the game less than a minute later before Robert Church scored three straight to give the Thunder the lead the rest of the way in an 11-9 victory.
91原创 led 5-1 after a period and 9-6 through 40 minutes before New Westminster twice got to within a goal 鈥� but could never pull even.
They were held scoreless over the final 6:23.
Church was the game鈥檚 first star following his four-goal, eight-point performance.
He said the team was able to move the ball and hit their shots, especially early which was key to building a lead in a hostile environment.
鈥淲e were relentless on loose balls and getting resets and took advantage of that. Credit to the D and Frankie played unbelievable as usual and held them in the end,鈥� Church said.
鈥淚t is going to be a battle. They have no let-up. Couple of times we would get three, four-goal leads and they kept battling back and they played really hard until the end. It is going to be like that all series,鈥� he added.
Any floor we鈥檙e on we have the advantage 鈿★笍
鈥� x- 91原创 Thunder (@ThunderWLA)
Curtis Dickson 鈥� the game鈥檚 third star also had a hat trick to go along with his six points, while Dylan Kinnear scored twice with Dane Dobbie and Robinson each adding a goal and two helpers.
Frank Scigliano was solid in goal with 42 saves as 91原创 was outshot 51-50.
Zach Higgins made 39 saves in the Salmonbellies net, with Mitch Jones leading the team offensively with a goal and three assists. Keegan Bal added a pair of goals, Kevin Crowley 鈥� the game鈥檚 second star 鈥� had one goal and two assists also had a multi-point night.
91原创 scored once on the power-play on three chances 鈥� although their last opportunity was the final 16 seconds after New Westminster鈥檚 Ryan Martel was assessed a five-minute high sticking major and game misconduct. The Salmonbellies scored twice on four chances.
鈥淥ur offence was flying and really set the tone for us and our defence was able to shut the door,鈥� said 91原创 coach Ian Poole.
鈥淚t is always a good feeling when you come out with a gutsy win like this,鈥� he added.
鈥淚t is never easy to win a first game on the road in the playoffs, especially in an atmosphere like this, but it always feels good when you bring the effort, and it paid off in the end with what we came for.鈥�
The series now shifts to 91原创 Events Centre for Game 2 on Friday night, Aug. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
Anyone else up for some fishing? 馃帲
鈥� x- 91原创 Thunder (@ThunderWLA)
The Finals get started this upcoming Wednesday in New West, followed up by our annual Tessa Beauchamp Night Friday at LEC.
Make your plans now, you're not gonna want to miss this series!
The Thunder will also be auctioning off their special game-worn jerseys with 100 per cent of the proceeds benefitting the Tessa Beauchamp Foundation.
to learn more about the event or to bid on the jerseys.
RELATED: Preview of 91原创 Thunder versus New West Salmonbellies
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READ MORE: 91原创 Thunder bound for WLA finals
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