Luke Gillespie scored four goals in his regular-season debut with his hometown Maple Ridge Burrards as they beat the Langley Thunder 11-7 in their home opener on Sunday at Cam Neely Arena.
Gillespie, acquired in an off-season trade with the New Westminster Salmonbellies, added two assists and was named the game’s first star.
It was a big win, said GM Daren Fridge, because the Burrards again have numerous players who are still in action in the National Lacrosse League playoffs.
“It’s a great way to start the year,” said Fridge. “You can set yourself up pretty well with those early wins, and then get your big guns back.”
Goaltender Frankie Scigliano will be available now, after his Calgary Roughnecks were eliminated.
But four key forwards are still battling with the Saskatchewan Rush. Jarret Davis, Ben McIntosh, Dan Taylor and Riley Loewen have all made it to the championship game against Buffalo.
They could be gone for another three weeks – four if their owner buys the team a Vegas trip as he did last year.
On Sunday, Mike Mallory had two goals and three points and was the second star, and Charles Claxton made 35 saves, earning the third star nod.
Tom Johnson also had two goals and an assist, while Coady Adamson had a goal and three points. Zack Porter and Owen Barker also scored for Ridge.
The Burrards next home game will be Sunday, May 29 when they face the Burnaby Lakers. Game time is 6:45 p.m. at Planet Ice.
Other scores
• Victoria Shamrocks 18, Nanaimo Timbermen 6
• Burnaby Lakers 8, Coquitlam Adanacs 6
• Coquitlam Adanacs 7, New West Salmonbellies 5