2024 WLA Finals Preview: Shamrocks vs Thunder

Shamrocks Punch Ticket to WLA Finals vs Langley Thunder

(Photo: Gord Rufh Photography)

By: Alex Scott

(1) VICTORIA SHAMROCKS VS. (3) Langley Thunder

BEST-OF-seven SERIES

Shamrocks: 18-0, 36 points; defeated New Westminster Salmonbellies 3-2 in the Semi-finals

Thunder: 8-9-1, 17 points; defeated Maple Ridge Burrards 3-1 in the Semi-finals

Season series: VIC: 3-0-0, LAN 0-3-0

Game 1: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. at Victoria (Playoff Tickets)

After a hard-fought five-game series against the New Westminster Salmonbellies, the Victoria Shamrocks have advanced to the WLA Final. The series proved to be more challenging than anticipated, with the Shamrocks ultimately prevailing in a dramatic fashion. Unfortunately, due to the series extending to its maximum length, the team will have just one day's rest before facing the Langley Thunder in the championship round. 

The Shamrocks and Thunder have not met in the playoff since 2022 when Langley emerged victorious in six games.

The Thunder endured a slow start to the season, posting a 1-5 record in their first six-games. However, they found their stride, finishing the regular season with a 7-4-1 record to secure the third seed in the playoffs. Langley defeated the Maple Ridge Burrards in four games to reach the championship round.

Victoria dominated the season series against Langley, winning all three matchups by a combined score of 33-20.

May 24: Shamrocks 12, Thunder 6

July 24: Shamrocks 11, Thunder 6

July 28: Shamrocks 10, Thunder 8

As Shamrocks fans learned firsthand in the previous series, the playoffs are a completely different animal. The regular season records and statistics often take a backseat when the stakes are the highest.

Game breakers

Shamrocks: The King brothers, Jesse and Marshal, continued their dominant performances from the regular season into the playoffs. Jesse led the team with 7 goals and 18 assists for 25 points in five games, while Marshal closely followed with 8 goals and 16 assists for 24 points. Their combined 49 points were instrumental in the Shamrocks' series victory. Notably, Jesse exploded for a 10-point performance in Game 1, while Marshal contributed a nine-point effort.

Thunder:Chase Scanlan and Robert Church were the driving forces behind Langley's playoff success. Scanlan led all scorers with 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points in just four games. Church, despite missing one game due to injury, still managed to amass an impressive 4 goals and 15 assists for 19 points in three contests.

(Video: July 28 Highlights vs Langley)

Goaltending

Shamrocks: Coach Simpson opted to start Chris Origlieri in net for the series opener, but a shaky first period, where he allowed five goals on ten shots, forced a change. Simpson clarified that the decision to pull Origlieri was strategic rather than a reflection of his performance, aiming to send a message to the team. Cam Dunkerley entered the game in relief, making 34 saves and leading the Shamrocks to overtime victory. Any speculation about a goaltending controversy was quickly dismissed as Origlieri reclaimed the starting role for the next four games, finishing the series with two wins, an 8.38 GAA, and an .849 save percentage, placing him atop the playoff goaltending leaderboard.

Thunder: The Langley Thunder took a bold gamble by starting 17-year-old rookie Caleb Khan in goal. The young netminder responded admirably, posting three wins, a 9.11 GAA, and an .806 save percentage in the first round. Khan's impressive performance has captured the attention of the league and is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines of the playoffs.

Will win if...

Shamrocks: Improve their starts. Victoria faced early deficits in the first round, being outscored 17-8 in the opening frames. Maintaining a consistent level of play throughout the entire game will be crucial against a strong defensive team like Langley.

Thunder: Continue their offensive onslaught. Origlieri has been a formidable force in net for the Shamrocks, so Langley's offensive stars will need to elevate their game and find a way to solve the goaltending riddle.

The series begins Saturday, August 17th at 6:30pm at The Q Centre. See below for full schedule. 

For playoff tickets, head to tickets.victoriashamrocks.com. Fans can also livestream all WLA playoff games at WLALacrosse.com/WLAtv