WLA playoff race remains tight into final three games of the regular season

Burnaby Lakers, Langley Thunder, Nanaimo Timbermen, Road to the Mann Cup, Victoria Shamrocks, WLA

WLA playoff race remains tight into final three games of the regular season

July 28th, 2012 by Stephen Stamp

Karsen Leung's five assists helped the Victoria Shamrocks earn an 11-7 win over the Nanaimo Timbermen. (Photo: Bruce Stotesbury)

The Langley Thunder are in the playoffs and will finish first. That much is clear. Beyond that, the Western Lacrosse Association playoff race is going down to the wire. Langley’s Garrett Billings scored a power play goal with 1:01 to play to give the Thunder an 8-7 win over the Burnaby Lakers to ensure that Langley will take the regular-season title. They have completed their season with 24 points on 12 wins and 6 losses. Lewis Ratcliff had two goals and four assists to lead the Thunder offensively. Brodie MacDonald made 44 saves to anchor them in their own end of the floor. Scott Tinning and Carlton Schuss each scored twice for Burnaby.

The other six teams each have one game remaining this weekend and four of them sit within two points of each other. Victoria and Coquitlam can make things simple for themselves by winning their games tonight. The teams sit tied for second with 20 points and guarantee themselves post-season berths with a win, or a tie, tonight. The Shamrocks are in Nanaimo to face their Vancouver Island rival Timbermen. Victoria beat Nanaimo 11-7 last night at home.

Corey Small led the Shamrocks effort with five goals and Jeff Shattler added a hat trick. They each had one assist as well. Ryan Benesch and Karsen Leung chipped in with five points each. Cory Conway’s hat trick made him the top marksman for Nanaimo.

The Adanacs are home to Burnaby in tonight’s other contest. According to a tweet from IL Indoor contributor Teddy Jenner, the Adanacs and Shamrocks have clinched playoff spots, but it’s still possible for there to be a four-way tie for second place in points.

The Lakers could use a win tonight as it looks like the final spot will will go to either them or the New Westminster Salmonbellies. New West will visit Maple Ridge Sunday night in the regular season finale.

WLA
Victoria 11, Nanaimo 7 (box score)
Langley 8, Burnaby 7 (box score) (Victoria Times-Colonist)

Stamp is a TV sports announcer and lacrosse lover whose skill set made him a defender but who always dreamed of being a goal-scorer. He can be reached at stamplax@hotmail.com.

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