The short-staffed Maple Ridge Burrards suffered another loss, 12-5 to the Shamrocks at the Q Centre in Victoria on Friday.
The Burrards were still without the services of star forwards Curtis Dickson and Ben McIntosh, who were with Team Canada at the 2018 FIL Men’s World Lacrosse Championship in Nentanya, Israel.
The Canadians suffered a controversial last-second loss in the gold medal game on Saturday. They lost 9-8 to the U.S.
As the last goal was scored, the stadium clock said time had expired, but the official game clock was said to have a minute remaining, and the Americans upended the defending champions. Canada had beaten the U.S. in 2014 in the gold medal game in Denver, Colorado.
Dickson had three goals in the final, and McIntosh scored a pair. Both were named to the all-world team.
“I’m ecstatic. Proud of them,” said Burrards coach Rob Williams. “To have two guys all world from the same team, our team, is outstanding.”
Dickson had 19 goals and one assist in the seven games, while McIntosh was second to him in team goal scoring with 14 goals and four assists.
According to the Canadian Lacrosse Association web page, it appeared the game clock failed to restart when the ball was brought back into play. There was also issues on how much time should be left on the clock following the go-ahead marker. It was a tough loss for the Canadians, and one that left the coaching staff searching for answers.
“It is what is is,” said head coach Randy Mearns post-game. “It felt to us like there was nine seconds on the clock, and the play started and the clock didn’t move for four seconds, and it went on and on. The U.S. took a shot and there was four seconds left and we were like, ‘How are we not already at zero.’”
“It was chaotic down there. I don’t know what else to tell you,” he added in reference to the scorekeepers area where the referees convened try and make sense of the situation.
“They huddled up and their conclusion was that the goal was scored with time left on the clock. The refs made a decision, and they stuck with it, and we didn’t get another opportunity.”
McIntosh planned to be back in the Burrards lineup on Tuesday night, to play his fourth game of the year and get himself eligible for post-season play in the WLA. Dickson needed time on the mend after the world championship tournament, and will not re-enter the Burrards lineup until the playoffs begin.
The Burrards were led in scoring on Friday night by Mike Mallory’s two goals and three points, Chase McIntyre scored twice and Kyle Marr had a goal and an assist.
“We haven’t been able to find a rhythm on offence,” said Williams, who has been without his two star forwards for five games.
“It has been a year of experimenting, and trying to get things going.”
Brandon Humphrey was in net for the loss, making 49 saves on 61 shots, and Williams said he was outstanding int eh game.
Casey Jackson of the Shamrocks lit up the Burrards for three goals and four assists.
The Burrards could finish in third or fourth place, but said he has not been looking at playoff matchups – his team will have to beat tough opponents to get to the national championship.
“The parity in the league is insane right now,” he said.
The playoffs will begin Aug. 1, with matchups to be determined.
On Tuesday night the Burrards host the first place New Westminster Salmonbellies at 7:30 p.m. at Planet Ice.