The Nanaimo Timbermen were anticipating a hard-fought series, but it was never close.
The T-men defeated the Langley Warriors 20-6 on Sunday at Frank Crane Arena to sweep the best-of-five semifinal three games to none. Nanaimo won Game 1 by a 12-4 score and then took Game 2 on the road, 13-4.
Ryan Hanna, T-men transition player, said his team’s depth was the difference.
“We can call on any guy, any night and they can step into the lineup and play and that’s huge for us,” he said.
Mike Maughan, T-men coach, said goalie Nick Patterson played “unbelievable,” but added that the team is strong in all facets.
“The guys played really well…” Maughan said. “As we’ve got towards the end of the year, we’ve really showed how strong we are in all areas. Our depth is what’s going to be tough for anybody to deal with that we play.”
Ryan Forslund scored four goals, Hanna had three goals and three assists and Travis Mickelson also recorded a hat trick. Jon Diplock scored a pair and added four assists and Steve Higgs and Jonny Gill also scored twice. Other scorers were Derek Lowe, Andrew Miller, Devon Casey and James Spence.
GAME ON … The finals aren’t yet scheduled, but are likely to begin Sunday (July 26) in Nanaimo. The Ladner Pioneers and Royal City Capitals are tied in the other semifinal with one win apiece.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com