Lakers Drown Edmonton at Minto Cup

Just six days after capturing the BC Championship, the Burnaby Lakers were taking on Edmonton at game one of the Minto Cup.

As expected, Burnaby came out strong; Dane Dobbie putting in the first goal of the tournament. The Lakers would score three more in the first, before Cam Ritchie finally cracked the net for Edmonton halfway through the first.

Edmonton started to look a bit more comfortable going into the second frame; better set plays, and managing to break into Burnaby’s tight defense. About a minute into the period, Nate Schmidte put in a power play marker for Edmonton, Matt Wiebe decided to put in two of his own as well.

This put the Miners back in the game and within one of the Lakers- but not for long. Jamie Lincoln got Burnaby’s heads back into it, scoring three goals in a row in his signature highlight style. Most impressive was his last- a beauty unassisted goal from his stomach, sliding it past Dave Marrese with one hand- it was a treat to watch.

The Lakers put in four more to end the period 12-5, and Edmonton slid off to the dressing room to try and figure out how to salvage their scoring.

The third was a bit of a blowout for Burnaby, Alix Gajic getting on the board, Stephan Leblanc put up two goals in the final period, as well as Brock Armour and Mike Grimes.

Matt Wiebe from the Miners put in two more goals in the third to bring his goal total to 4, and earn him MVP honours for the Miners on the night. Kevin Wallin put one in with a couple minutes to go but the damage was done.

MVP for Burnaby was given to Garett Billings for his 7 points on the night. Final from Queens Park was 17-8 for the BC Champs.

Unfortunately Edmonton just couldn’t catch up with Burnaby’s offense; the Miners had some great comebacks with goals worthy of a highlight reel, but the Lakers had every angle covered, and ran away with it in the third.

Goaltending went back and forth, both teams making full use of both their goalies. Shots on the night were 56-34 in favour of the Lakers.

There should be quite a large crowd for tomorrows match-up between the hosts Salmonbellies and the Ontario champs- Six Nations Arrows. Game time is 7:30 and is at Queens Park in New West.