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15-3 the blowout of a decade

The Burrards brought shock and awe in the first period.
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The Maple Ridge Burrards are frontrunners in the early going of the WLA season.

The Maple Ridge Burrards enjoyed a 15-3 laugher at the expense of the Langley Thunder on Sunday night at Planet Ice.

In their second win in as many games, the Burrards brought shock and awe in the first period. When the first frame was over, the Burrards were up 7-1.

“We buried our chances early on when we got them,” said new coach Chris Gill.

He said frustration by the Thunder led to them making risky plays and turning the ball over, which of course led to more Burrards chances.

Langley was the top team in the league last year, with the stingiest defence in the Western Lacrosse Association. The Burrards haven’t beaten them in six games over the past two seasons.

“Their roster is a lot different from what it was last year,” observed Gill.

Still, it was Ridge’s most lopsided win in at least nine seasons.

Riley Loewen had 11 points, on four goals and seven assists, in his first game back with the Burrards.

Last year, the Burnaby product posted a respectable 37 points in 14 games with the Burrards. Having seen him play in the National Lacrosse League with the Edmonton Rush, gaining in confidence, Gill was not surprised to see Loewen have a breakout game. It won’t be surprising if he becomes a big-time offensive talent.

“He looks like he’s ready to make that jump.”

Gill said the Burrards have six or seven players who are capable of putting up big numbers.

“It could be a different guy every night.”

Mike Mallory, a Pitt Meadows resident, had seven points on three goals and four assists. Andrew Murphy also had a hat trick, and an assist.

Veteran keeper Chris Levis was back in goal for the Burrards. He made 27 saves on 30 shots, and looked good doing it.

This year’s first-round draft pick Frankie Scigliano is still in net for the Calgary Roughnecks, who are playing in the Champions Cup Finals. He and scoring leader Curtis Dickson are both two weeks away from playing in the WLA.

Gill said his team played good defence, and made life easier on Levis.

The fast-falling Thunder now have three losses to start the season, but they get another shot at the Burrards right away. The two teams meet again tonight (Wednesday), at 7:45 p.m. at the Langley Events Centre.

The next Burrards home game will be Sunday, against the New Westminster Salmonbellies at 6:45 p.m.



Neil Corbett

About the Author: Neil Corbett

I have been a journalist for more than 30 years, the past decade with the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News.
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