Juniors score big win, clinch playoff berth

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The junior A Nanaimo Timbermen are stringing together their best lacrosse at the perfect time.

The city’s B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League team clinched a playoff spot on Tuesday with a 12-8 road win against the Victoria Shamrocks. The T-men assured themselves of fifth place, the highest-ever final standing for the franchise.

“The coaching staff, the organization, the players are absolutely ecstatic,” said Dave Bremner, coach of Nanaimo’s juniors.

He said the team’s third-straight win wasn’t an upset.

“I consider it two evenly matched teams,” Bremner said. “We’re getting better and better and better.”

Goaltender Devon Winter had a “sparkling performance” with 48 saves, said the coach, and benefited from fantastic defence. Ball movement in the offensive end was also working well.

Joey Fendick and Kyle Hofer both scored hat tricks and Ethan Garland, Ryan Sage and Cody Bremner had two goals apiece.

“We feel as a team we’ve underachieved this year and the guys want to start playing where they should…” said Dave Bremner. “We hope to continue on with it and perhaps win our first playoff series ever. I think we’re in position to do something like that.”

GAME ON … The junior T-men (8-11) visit the New Westminster Salmonbellies (14-5) on Saturday (July 9), then close out the regular season Sunday against the Delta Islanders (11-7) at 5 p.m. at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. For more on those games, please check back at www.nanaimobulletin.com on Friday.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com