The Nanaimo Timbermen have a flicker of hope as they enter the final weekend of the lacrosse season.
The Coastal Windows Timbermen senior A team is back in the playoff mix – kind of – after learning that the Langley Thunder are protesting an 11-10 overtime loss to the Victoria Shamrocks on Saturday.
The Thunder contend that a Shamrocks player who had been ejected from the game returned to action, and Langley is also accusing Victoria’s goaltender of using an illegal stick. If the result is overturned and the Shamrocks’ inevitable appeal is rejected, then Nanaimo could make the playoffs if it wins out and gets some favourable results on the out-of-town scoreboard.
The T-men visit the Shamrocks on Friday (July 27), then host the ’Rocks Saturday. Even if the games don’t end up having playoff implications, the Timbermen promise to play hard.
“There’s a lot of pride in this locker room,” said Scott Ranger, team captain. “I know myself, I’m going to be going all out and I’m going to make sure that the guys are ready to go.”
Ranger will also be looking to add to his league-leading goals (54) and points (87) tallies.
Art Webster, the team’s coach, said the fans deserve to see a good effort in the season finale.
“We’ve got to finish off on a strong note…” he said. “We have to come out with our heads high and get back to work.”
He also mentioned the word pride, as did alternate captain Graham Palmer.
“We don’t want to finish the season as losers,” he said. “We want to go out with a couple wins.”
GAME ON … The Timbermen and Shamrocks face off Saturday (July 28) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. To read an article about Nanaimo's last game, please click here.
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