The senior B Nanaimo Timbermen beat two of the league’s better teams to extend an impressive streak.
The T-men defeated the Langley Warriors 14-6 on Saturday at the Nanaimo Ice Centre and then got past the Tri-City Bandits 9-7 on Sunday on the road. Nanaimo has now won nine straight in West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association competition.
“We knew this weekend was going to be a tough weekend and a good test, but we looked at it as a good challenge,” said Mike Maughan, the team’s coach.
Sunday’s win was particularly noteworthy, coming on the road against the defending champs.
“We went over there with a strong lineup and started off really well, we got the first two goals of the game and then pretty much traded goals the rest of the way,” Maughan said. “Any time we faced a little bit of adversity and they kind of got close, we seemed to answer back.”
Ryan Forslund’s hat trick led the way offensively, Jon Diplock had a goal and four assists and Travis Mickelson dished six assists. Cody Boon scored a pair, including one highlight-reel goal that he scored one-handed with a defender draped all over him. Nick Patterson made 34 saves.
The day before, the T-men found themselves tied with the Warriors at the first intermission, so they sought to sharpen up on line changes, ball control and straight effort.
"We weren't really pleased with being ted after a period, so we made some adjustments and talked about raising our game a little bit and the guys definitely did that," Maughan said.
Diplock had three goals and three assists, Devon Casey also potted a hat trick, Mickelson had a goal and five helpers and Steve Higgs and Forslund scored two each. Patterson was the winning goalie.
GAME ON … The T-men host the Royal City Capitals on Saturday and Sunday (June 6-7) at the NIC at 7 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com