Shamrocks Stand Ground in Game #2

Written by Ian McNaughton

August 4, 2018

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Shamrocks walked into Frank Crane Arena on Friday night for the first time in over 2 months. Before Friday, they hadn’t beat the Nanaimo Timbermen in Nanaimo in over a year. Combine that with their disappointing 12-11 overtime loss to the Timbermen in Victoria on Wednesday, this team had revenge on the mind heading up the Malahat. It showed in Friday’s game as the Shamrocks doubled up Nanaimo 8-4, evening the series at a game apiece. 

It was a great night for Shamrocks forward Rhys Duch, who scored his first hat-trick since June 14th. Duch had a goal and two assists in Game #1 and has averaged 5 points a game this season for the Shamrocks. Rob Hellyer also had a strong performance Friday as he had 5 assists and earned second-star honours for Victoria. Hellyer got assists for 5 different guys and through the first two games, Hellyer leads the playoff scoring race with 12 points. 

Game 2’s biggest star might have been Adam Shute, who bounced back to make 34 of 38 saves and give the Shamrocks their first win in 8 days. Shute has started 3 of the last 4 games for the ‘Rocks, giving up an average of almost 7 goals per game. Victoria’s other Game #2 goal scorers included Jesse King, Casey Jackson, Chris Wardle, Greg Harnett and Tyson Gibson. 

With the series tied at 1, Game #3 goes Sunday at The Q Centre in Victoria. The ball drops at 7:30pm for that game and fans can purchase their tickets online on the Shamrocks website. Doors open at 6:30pm and the Shamrocks will then travel to Nanaimo on August 7th for Game #4. Game #5 is August 10th at The Q Centre with Games #6 and #7 to be played if necessary.