It doesn't take much for the Delta Islanders to look like an inexperienced team learning the ropes in the B.C. Junior "A" Lacrosse League.
Yes the club entered the 2012 season with high expectations, led by thirdyear standouts Mike Mallory and Logan Schuss. For now, the Islanders are leaning on some promising rookies to carry much of the load.
Schuss, is winding down his junior season playing field lacrosse at Ohio State University and won't be back in town until early next month. Mallory was considered a strong candidate to win the league scoring title but had been bothered by a sore foot through training camp. What was believed to be a turf toe proved to be much more when x-rays revealed a broken bone in his foot. The best case scenario is he will be back in action in a couple of weeks.
Adding to the woes was a 1-2 start to the season and the struggle to generate offence. It prompted Shaun Springett to call a team meeting on the eve's of Saturday's home opener against the Langley Thunder. The rookie head coach challenged some of his key firstyear players to step up their game and get the team back on track.
The end result was the Islanders coming through with a 11-9 victory, led by a trio who were among the top snipers in the B.C. Intermediate "A" Lacrosse League last season. Eli McLaughlin enjoyed a six point night, including four goals, while Mike Henry added a goal and four assists. Tyler Nett was prominent in a playmaking role with five assists.
"Eli had one goal in three games for us after scoring (65) last season," said Springett. "We challenged him and he showed tonight what level he is capable of playing. I think a lot of our young guys were trying to do too much themselves.
They took a bunch of penalties which allowed our offence to find their sticks."
The Islanders raced out to an 8-3 second period lead and looked to be well on their way to a comfortable victory, only to allow the Thunder to battle their way back. Leading the rally for the visitors was former Islander and Ladner native Matt Messenger who finished the night with a four goals and one assist. He pulled Langley within a goal with over 12 minutes remaining when Issey Lamb's second of the night gave Delta some much needed breathing room.
The hosts then relied on some solid defending and the play of rookie goaltender Will Schwan the rest of the way for the win.
"Our offence was going well tonight but, for the first time this season, our defence struggled a bit," continued
Springett. "It's just a matter of us putting it all together and it's only May. We have some stuff to be fixed but we knew coming in there would be a learning curve.
"The thing I like the most is the things that we are doing wrong can be taught. It's not like we are lacking talent or ability."
Veteran Sean O'Neil, a key two way standout, made his presence felt in his first game of the season with a pair of goals. Intermediate call-up Cody Nass added a goal and three assists, while Jamie Malanfant also scored.
The Islanders next home game will be at Sungod Arena on Saturday against Nanaimo at 8 p.m.
