After two exciting match-ups on Friday, the WLA schedule continues Sunday with two games taking place in Maple Ridge and Nanaimo.
At Planet Ice in Maple Ridge, the Burrards will host the Langley Thunder. At the end of last season, these two teams ranked last and first in the league, respectively.
Though the Thunder won the league for the second consecutive time last season and went to the Mann Cup last fall, they weren't content to rest on the laurels and landed several new players through signings, transfers and the WLA draft. With the recent passing of owner Ken Buchan, Sr, the Thunder have more reason than ever to push for another league championship and the chance to host the Mann Cup this September.
After a frustrating 4-13-1 season in 2012, the Burrards were looking for some of their own fresh blood and added talent through all channels as well. A recent trade brought veteran goaltender Chris Levis to their crease and the team promises that Curtis Dickson, Aaron Pascas, Joel Dalgarno and Ben Davies will make regular appearances in their line-up for 2013.
Langley owned this regular season series last year, winning all three games where these two teams met, but the Burrards will hope to show that they are a team to be taken seriously this season.
The game starts at 6:45pm and tickets are available at the door. It is Ridge Meadows Minor Lacrosse Appreciation Night and all RMMLA players and families will be admitted free or by donation. There will be fun festivites set up prior to the start of the game, including hot dogs, a dunk tank, autograph session and hardest shot competition.
Over on the Island, the Nanaimo Timbermen are the only team to have a two game schedule this weekend. Coming off their late win over the Burnaby Lakers on Friday, the Tmen will host the New Westminster Salmonbellies in their first showing of the season.
The Salmonbellies have a number of new faces in the line-up this season with four rookies on the roster, two late-season cuts returning from last year and Chet Koneczny who was aquired through a trade last week. Also new to the 'Bellies is the look of their coaching staff. Steve Goodwin took over the role of head coach the day after this year's draft and brought Darrin London, Russ Heard and Jamie Stewart as assistants.
The 'Bellies took the regular season series vs. the Timbermen last season winning two games out of three, both in New Westminster. The Tmen will try to use home floor to their advantage again this weekend to start the season 2-0.
Game time in Nanaimo is 7pm. Get your tickets at the door.
Both games will be available on the WLA webcast. Brad Challoner will bring you the game from Maple Ridge and Dan Marshall will be making the call from Nanaimo. HERE's your link.
