NLL Insider

The Langley Thunder (4-5-1) and Maple Ridge Burrards (4-6) are currently in a battle for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA). Which up-and-coming franchise will make the post-season?

Langley’s offense has looked great this year led by WLA rookies Alex Turner (17g, 38points, 10gp), Kyle Belton (16g, 36points, 9gp) and Garret Billings (16g, 34points, 7gp). The Thunder’s Top 4 scorers are in fact rookies, and their average of 10.4 team goals per game is second-best in the WLA.

Leading the Burrards in scoring, Maple Ridge’s rookie forward Jarrett Davis (18g, 35points, 10gp) has enjoyed a great start, as well. Each of the aforementioned forwards will be considered for WLA Rookie of the Year.

Both teams also feature young, former New West back-ups, who currently sit Top 5 in WLA save percentage; Joel Bell has a .80SV% for Langley and Ron Schibild a .77SV% for Maple Ridge.

The play of those new roster additions has greatly helped both franchises. Last year, Langley held a 3-15 record, while Maple Ridge finished 5-13, nine points back of a playoff spot.

Currently within a half point of each other in the standings, Langley and Maple Ridge will meet on Sunday in pivotal game. Likely, only one will join the ‘09 playoffs along with the the Top 3 WLA teams of Victoria (7-1), Coquitlam (7-2) and New West (6-3-1).

New West pulled off crucial wins over Langley, 11-9, and Maple Ridge, 8-6, last week to remain ahead of the two up-and-coming franchises.

Langley versus Maple Ridge, head-to-head: The Maple Ridge Burrards won the first meeting 11-10 in OT on May 17, and again won 11-10 on June 6.

WLA Rewind, Links

Maple Ridge lost two close games last week to New West, 8-6, and to  Coquitlam, 10-9. They are not looking past their Saturday game at Nanaimo, either. Burrards drop pair, fall to fifth.

With a win under their belt and a hard-fought OT loss to Coquitlam, Nanaimo (1-6-1) hopes they’ve hit a turning point. They have 10 games left and are only six points back of fourth-place. T-men score long-overdue win.

With eight points from Garrett Billings and a combined 40 saves between Kevin Crowsell and Joe Bell, Langley defeated Victoria, 13-12, over the weekend. Victoria had started 7-0. Thunder roll over Shamrocks.

Cliff Smith and Jordan Hall led New West’s attack over Maple Ridge, helping the Salmonbellies slip into second briefly. Up-dated: The ‘Bellies currently sit one point back of Coquitlam and Victoria for first-place in the WLA standings.

Adanacs’ veteran Curt Malawsky and rookie Cory Conway made their first appearances in Coquitlam this season and helped the A’s improve to 7-2 overall. Conway had 10 points, including two game winners.

WLA schedule, This Week

Here is your WLA schedule for the week:

New Westminster at Burnaby – Fri, Jun 26 7:45 pm
Nanaimo at Victoria – Fri, Jun 26 7:45 pm
Maple Ridge at Nanaimo - Sat, Jun 27 7:00 pm
Victoria at Coquitlam - Sat, Jun 27 7:00 pm**
Langley at Maple Ridge - Sun, Jun 28 6:45 pm*

*The Langley versus Maple Ridge game is of immense importance to both team’s playoff chances. **The broadcast WLA Game of the Week will be on Saturday night when Victoria travels to Coquitlam in a battle for first-place.

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