Two games into the Western Lacrosse season, the Nanaimo Timbermen know what it takes to win, and know what it takes to lose.
The Coastal Windows Timbermen (1-1) were defeated 17-7 by the New Westminster Salmonbellies on Thursday on the mainland.
It was the same score as Nanaimo’s first game of the season, when the T-men beat the Langley Thunder, but this time the game was very different.
“We’ve got to bring the same energy and more energy when we come on the road and I don’t think we were really prepared to face what was in front of us,” said Art Webster, Timbermen coach.
New West played the brand of lacrosse that Nanaimo expected, but the visitors couldn’t slow down the home team.
“We didn’t take away their transition and then we didn’t play good 5-on-5,” Webster said. “We were chasing all night long and you can’t put yourself in that position.”
The Salmonbellies bolted to a 5-1 lead after one period and extended the margin to 13-3 after two, chasing T-men starting goalie Matt King. It wasn’t until New West slowed the pace in the third period that Nanaimo started to look better.
“That’s the kind of ball movement we need the whole game,” said the coach. “That’s what we weren’t getting in the first and second periods.”
Scott Ranger had two goals and four assists before suffering an injury when he stepped on a ball behind the Salmonbellies goal.
Cody Bremner had two goals and three assists for Nanaimo and Joel Henry, Kyle Hofer and Ryan Keith were the other goal scorers. Matt Wray had two fights, winning the first and drawing the second. Shots ended up 50-47 in favour of the ’Bellies.
Webster said if the Timbermen were going to have a game like Thursday’s, he’s glad they had it the second game of the season.
“There’s no sense in me going in there yelling and screaming and having a tantrum. I need to teach them what they need to do to be better and they have to follow that plan…” he said. “There’s a lot of pride in that locker room and I know that they will respond and move forward.”
GAME ON … The Timbermen host the Coquitlam Adanacs on Sunday (May 27) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena … Ranger is doubtful for the game.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com