Burnaby Edges Coquitlam to Retain Top Spot

By Jen Mutas

“Going into tonight’s game, both teams were tied at 18 points with Coquitlam a game up. Both Teams have stacked rosters of great offensive and defensive players, not to mention solid netminding; and both teams wanted it.

The game tonight was slated to be one of the best of the season for the league. With the big names on both rosters, it was surprising the game was held to 9 goals total.

Coquitlam has come a long way since their 5th place finish in the regular season last year. The team is focusing more on skill rather than dropping the gloves, and it’s paying off. But even with all the positive changes they still have Burnaby to deal with.

Burnaby hasn’t changed a lot from last year- why change a good thing? Not a whole lot wrong with a 21-0 season and almost bringing back the Minto Cup. Needless to say, I was excited for tonight’s matchup, along with the rest of the 300 plus fans that filled the Palace on Poirier in Coquitlam.

Burnaby came out fast throwing long passes up the middle and establishing solid set plays. Jamie Lincoln scored first for Burnaby about 30 seconds into the first, and even their goalie Adam Meakes got on the board, with his assist on Lincoln’s second goal of the period.

Coquitlam played the first cautiously, slowly entering Burnaby’s zone and setting up nicely- just no luck. The period ended with the Lakers up 3-0.

Burnaby started the second with a goal on the power play, but Coquitlam changed their plan of action and scored three unanswered goals from Calvin Craig, Ryan Kwasnica, and Kelly Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick’s goal was a work of art, the hesitation on the shot was timed perfectly.

The refs were fairly good at letting both teams play physical, but the game stopped when Richards came way out of his crease and levelled Jamie Lincoln while he was looking back for the long pass. That resulted in a five minute major and a power play goal from Garrett Billings. Scott Lowe stepped in for Richards.

The Adanacs continued playing hard, with a little attitude for kicks. Sean Robinson managed to find the back of the Burnaby net with a pass from Calvin Craig but the game ended 5-4 in favour of the Lakers.

Coquitlam goalie Tyler Richards stood tall in net for the Adanacs and made key saves when his team needed him.

Although the game was held to a low score, the skill was there- on a fairly even scale. No doubt these teams will have more great matches in the hunt for the Minto Cup. Their next game against each other will be on June 17th in Burnaby.