No Mercy: Shamrocks Roll Past Lakers 15–3

The Shamrocks were looking for redemption Friday night in Colwood, and they found it at the back of Burnaby's net with a commanding 15 – 3 win over the visiting Burnaby Lakers.

Although the Lakers tried to set the tone early with a goal in the first four minutes, the Shamrocks answered with three of their own from Brodie Wade, Zach Manns, and Marshal King. Burnaby pulled their goalie for the extra attacker on a delayed penalty, and were rewarded with their second goal of the night. The Shamrocks then answered with seven more through the rest of the first and into the second period from Denton Macdonald, Marshal King, Dorian Connolley, Koen Block, Patrick Dodds, and Zach Manns (2).

A high-scoring first period gave way to a fast-paced second, with both teams moving the ball effectively back and forth with lots of scoring opportunities, but equally as many strong saves and defensive plays. Despite some increasing physical play from the Lakers, the Shamrocks held them silent in the second period and took a 10 – 2 lead into the final 20 minutes of the game.

There was no coasting in the third period, as the Shamrocks decided to put on a show for the over 2,500 fans in attendance, scoring three times in the first five minutes of the frame with goals from Chris Wardle, Patrick Dodds, and Marshal King.

A change in goalies staunched some of the bleeding for Burnaby with Keegan Melenychuk taking over the net-minding duties from Marc Rippberger for the final fifteen minutes of the game, with only Cole Pickup and Luke Pilcher adding to the Shamrocks total. An unlucky bounce snuck past the stick of Origlieri and gave Burnaby a late third goal, however it was not enough to make up any ground and the final buzzer sounded with a 15 – 3 Shamrocks victory.

Three stars for tonight’s game were handed out to Zach Manns with three goals and five assists, Chris Origlieri with 32 saves on 35 shots faced, and first star to Marshal King with an additional three goals and five assists.

The Shamrocks will be back in action on the road Saturday evening in Nanaimo as they take on the Timbermen for the first time this season, and then will return home on Friday, June 12th to host the Maple Ridge Burrards. Tickets are available at VictoriaShamrocks.com.