The Delta Islanders and Coquiltlam Adanacs faced off to do battle in another installment of the War on the Floor. Delta entered into the contest with a 4-1 record. Coquitlam entered with a record of 2-2.
The Islanders hit the floor eager to showcase their high-powered offensive arsenal, and move past their loss to the Victoria Shamrocks on Sunday, May 12th. Ryland Hood got the nod in net again for the Islanders and has been consistent between the pipes since he was called up from the Intermediate Richmond Roadrunners earlier this season.
Davide DiRuscio, the 3rd year Adanac, started in goal for Coquitlam, in a game that would be a fierce goaltending battle from the opening whistle. Tyler Garrison returned to the Adanac roster after a successful season with the Washington Stealth in the National Lacrosse League.
The game got off to an explosive start, as both teams moved as a blistering pace, dishing out big hits along the way. Both teams played sound defense, setting up a rampart around the crease.
The Adanacs would get on the board first, scoring on a goal from Matt Symes at 3:37. Coquitlam would score again at the 3:42 mark. Delta would answer at 4:47 with a Tyler Nett goal, assisted by Mike Henry and Cody Nass. The first frame ended with a 2-1 Adanac lead.
In the 2nd period, the Islanders turned on the jets, with great transition play, led by the hustle of Alex Morghese. Coquitlam would mount several fast break attempts, strafing the Islanders crease with a barrage of shots. Ryland Hood would come up with several huge saves, prompting loud cheers from the Islanders bench and fans.
I thought it was a good defensive battle between two good teams. Both DiRuscio and Hood played well. Both teams played well defensively. I thought both Offences could have executed better. We didn't seem to be clicking, said Islander Coach Shaun Springett.
Both clubs would score 3 goals in the 2nd period. Tyler Nett, Cody Nass and Evan Messenger would find the back of the net for the Islanders. Chase McIntyre would score 2 out of the 3 goals, or Coquitlam, the other came from Jordan Giles. Delta cut down the lead and trailed by just one goal. The score at the end of the 2nd frame was 5-4 Adanacs.
The Adanacs would score two more times, early in the 3rd period to go up 7-4.
Delta would score once, late in the period on a goal from Eli McLaughlin at 19:00. The game ended with a 7-5 Coquitlam victory.
I was pretty fired up for the game, knowing Coquitlam would be a tough team. It was a good fight but we were missing a few aspects of our game that let us fall behind. I felt I wasnt fully in the zone, said Islander Goalie Ryland Hood.
The Islanders return to action this Saturday, as they square off against the New Westminster Salmonbellies at home. The last meeting of the two sides led to a 13-9 win after an offensive surge in the 2nd and 3rd periods at Queens Park Arena during week two of the 2013 campaign.
Overall we are 4-2 and in first place, which I am happy about, and our 2 losses came in Coquitlam and Victoria. Those are the only times we play in those arena's [in league play] this year, they [Victoria and Coquitlam] come to our arena for the other 2 times we play them. Commented Coach Springett.
Game time for this Saturday vs. New Westminster is set for 7:30 at the Ladner Arena.
