The Delta Islanders exploded for five unanswered goals en route to a 13-9 road win over the New West Salmonbellies Tuesday to remain perfect three games into the B.C. Junior "A" Lacrosse League season.
Trailing 7-3 near the midway mark of the second period, the Islanders scored three goals in 97 seconds, including a pair from Eli McLaughlin. By the time the second-year standout had completed his hat trick in the early stages of the third, Delta had 9-7 lead and would go on to a big early season win at historic Queen's Park Arena.
"When we were down by three or four goals, we were reassuring the boys by telling them not to panic and just stick to the process by playing Islanders lacrosse," said head coach Shaun Springett. "I told them afterwards you don't win trophies in May but it was nice to see what they are capable of." Richmond Intermediate call-up Ryland Hood got his first ever junior "A" start and was terrific, making 50 saves. With Will Schwan expected to be out for an extended period, Springett will continue to lean on Hood and Delta intermediate Matt Keith who was in net for earlier wins over Burnaby and Nanaimo.
Hood will be back between the pipes for Saturday's home game against Port Coquitlam at Sungod Arena (7: 30 p.m.) while Keith will get the start on Sunday in Victoria.
The Islanders' offence is firing on all-cylinders, averaging over 14 goals per game. McLaughlin had his most productive game of the season with seven points, while Cody Nass continued his blistering pace with two goals and five assists. The Richmond product, who should still be playing intermediate, leads the league in scoring with 22 points in three games.
Tyler Nett had a hat trick and Mike Henry added three assists. Delta also continues to get excellent work from local intermediates Jon Phillips (two goals) and Evan Messenger (a goal and a assist). "(Offensive assistant) John (Wilson) is doing a great job with this group," added Springett. "You only have to watch how we work the ball around on the power play."
Alex Morghese and Mike Donaldson had the other goals.
