Bellie report – vs. Burnaby Lakers – June 21st, 2012
After earning a solid three game win streak to start the season, fans may recall that it was the Lakers who upset the Bellies’ apple cart in their first meeting of the season on June 1st. That night, they sent the Bellies home from Burnaby after outscoring them 15-11 and outshooting them 59-30. Back at home on their own wooden floor, the Bellies were not prepared to allow a repeat of that event and that determination earned them another two points in the win column at the end of tonight’s game.
Early scoring by Kevin Crowley, Ilija Gajic and, with his first goal of the season, Kyle Ross gave the Bellies a two goal cushion when they went to the dressing room after the first period. Sean Robinson added a fourth to the board before the Lakers answered with a flurry of goals to even out the game near the eight minute mark in the second period.
There was much confusion among fans in attendance as well as those watching the WLA webcast of the game when the referees awarded Kevin Crowley a penalty shot midway through the second period and shortly after the Lakers tied the game. According to league commissioner Casey Cook, the penalty shot was the result of a Laker runner using his hand to stop a shot on net. It should come as no surprise to anyone that Crowley capitalized on the opportunity and lifted his team out of the deadlock. Sean Robinson and Ilija Gajic also netted a second goal each to give the Bellies a 7-4 lead to start the third period.
Robinson completed his hat trick before the end of the game and with the Lakers managing just one score in the last twenty minutes, the night ended with a final score of 8-5 for the home squad.
Bellie starter Tyler Richards faced 42 shots and managed 37 saves on the night. His performance earned him the Telus Bellie of the Game title and he took home the $300 Blackberry prize package that Telus awarded. At the other end of the floor, former Bellie Joe Bell made 30 saves on a total of 38 shots.
The WLA three stars were:
- Ilija Gajic
- Sean Robinson
- Colton Clark (Burnaby)
Tomorrow night, the Bellies take their second island road trip of the season to play their third game in a week. Bear Mountain Arena is the destination and the Victoria Shamrocks are the opponent. After the fantastic show these two teams put on when the Bellies hosted them just over a week ago, lacrosse fans everywhere do not want to miss this game! Order the pay per view webcast by visiting theboxrocks.com. The webcast is brought to you by the Western Lacrosse Association. If you’re in Victoria, come on out and wear red!