GAME 1 RECAP: Victoria Unable to Hold Off Adanacs

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adanacs lead series 1-0

What looked to be a masterclass Game 1 performance from the upstart Victoria Shamrocks wasn't meant to be in the end, as the reigning BCJALL champs found a way to come back and beat the 'Rocks 8-6. 

Victoria showed no signs of sea legs despite the matinee time slot. Goals by Braylon Lumb and Brad McCulley coming just 1:42 apart gave the 'Rocks an early 2-0 advantage. Victoria's Captain McCulley would add another marker before Will Clayton added one back for the Adanacs. A back-and-forth second period saw both teams trading goals, with Lumb and McCulley both finding their way back on the score sheet. 

PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Shamrocks Look to Dethrone Adanacs

However, even as the Shamrocks led 6-2, there was a feeling the Adanacs weren't exactly out of it. They put up 35 shots in the first two frames, but Cameron Dunkerley was up to the challenge, making 31 saves. Two late goals by Clayton and Colin Munro allowed the A's to make it a 6-4 scoreline heading into the final frame, and that's when Coquitlam's D took over. Victoria wouldn't score for the final 33 minutes, which proved to be their downfall in the end. 

Lumb, McCulley and Marshal King led the way for Victoria with a combined 5 goals and 10 points, but the 'Rocks will need more consistent scoring from their secondary guys like Brayden Brown and Ben Preston in order to take this series. Coquitlam saw a more even output across the board, with six players tallying multiple points. The A's showed off their impressive scoring depth, which is going to be tough for any D in the country to handle. 

As mentioned, Dunkerley likely played his best game of the season, making 42 stops on 50 shots for an .840 save percentage in the loss. His counterpart in Christian Del Bianco was similarly impressive, making 32 saves in his own right. 

The teams are right back at it today as the Adanacs travel to the rock for a 1:00 PM game at the Save on Foods Memorial Centre. Game 3 is set for next weekend back in Coquitlam, with Game 4 set to for Sunday night in Victoria if needed. 

Photos by Gary Woodburn - check out his website: http://www.pbase.com/woody