Brandon Humphrey made 47 saves and allowed just four goals past him on Sunday night, to lead the Maple Ridge Burrards to a 7-4 win over the Victoria Shamrocks.
It was the home opener for the Burrards summer 2023 campaign in the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA), played at Cam Neely Arena.
Humphrey was named the first star of the game, and Rhys Blake was named the second star. The giant defender (6’7”, 225 lbs.) had a pair of goals and an assist, including the Burrards’ first home goal of the season, and a shorthanded goal that put them up 4-3 in the second period.
“So far so good,” said GM Lance Andre of his team’s two-win start.
“Brandon is playing with a lot of confidence, and we’ve improved the defence in front of him,” he added.
“We’ve got big boys who can push people around, and keep the shots to the outside.”
Dylan McIntosh also scored twice, and singles were added by Isaac Ngyou, Drew Andre and Mitch McDole.
It was the second win of the year for the Burrards, who started the season with an 11-10 victory over the Burnaby Lakers on Friday at Bill Copeland Arena.
Ryan Jones led the Burrards in that game, as he scored four goals, including the game-winner.
READ ALSO: Maple Ridge Burrards win nail-biting season opener against Burnaby Lakers
Humphrey, who is off to a great start this season, came into that game in relief of Joel Watson. He was perfect on 10 shots, and appears entrenched in the net. He now has two wins, and a sterling .939 save percentage.
The team is in the second year of a rebuild, and their general manager said the improvement is evident.
“The young guys we’ve brought in have all contributed greatly,” said Andre.
The Burrards are back in action this Sunday, when they host the Nanaimo Timbermen for their weekly home game at Cam Neely Arena. Game time will be 6 p.m.
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