It was overtime heartbreak in the Ladner Pioneers’ bid to repeat as West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association champions.
The Nanaimo Timbermen rallied to win the final two games of the best-of-three series — both in overtime — including a 14-13 thriller on their home floor Tuesday night.
Ladner opened up a 12-9 third period lead before the Timbermen rallied behind the efforts of Jeff Shattler.
The Saskatchewan Rush star and National Lacrosse League playoff MVP scored seven times, including the game tying and winning goals. He broke a 13-13 deadlock with 1:17 remaining in the non-sudden death overtime period. He also chipped in with three assists in what was his first game of the playoffs.
Ironically, it was when Shattler was in the penalty box, serving a five-minute major for high sticking, that Ladner appeared to take control of the game on power play goals by Tyler Kirkby and Cody Nass, just 30 seconds apart and 8:46 remaining.
The result ruined a terrific effort by a Ladner team that was missing eight regulars.
Mike Berekoff had a hat trick. Kirkby scored twice and added six assists. Ryan Keith and Nass also had a big nights with six points, including a pair of goals.
In game two last Saturday at Sungod, twice the Timbermen rallied back from third period deficits to eventually win 12-11 and extend the series.
Both teams are headed to the President’s Cup national senior “B” championships in Nanaimo. That tournament starts Aug. 26.
