Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan

The Victoria Shamrocks and the Maple Ridge Burrards battled tooth and nail on Friday night in Game 1 of the WLA Championship series. The game sets the tone for what could be a long, drawn-out affair to crown a WLA champion.  The Shamrocks got the winner from Connor Robinson 4:31 into the 5th period.

Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan
Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan

Ryan McLean was the one to get the party started for the Shamrocks to open the scoring at 4:40 of the 1st. Maple Ridge would then go on to strike for 3 consecutive markers to finish off the 1st.

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Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan
Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan
Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan

Early in the 2nd period, Chris Wardle notched his first of 4 straight goals between the 2nd and 3rd periods. With the Shamrocks leading 6-4 in the 3rd, Maple Ridge got goals from Ryan Keenan and Dane Dobbie with just 1:39 to play in regulation, sending Game 1 to OT.

After a scoreless 10:00 minute overtime period, the contest shifted to sudden death in period 5 where Robinson would eventually send Shamrocks nation home in a frenzy.

Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan
Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan
Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan
Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan

Both Frank Scigliano for the Burrards and Peter Dubenski for the Shamrocks were stellar in goal during game 1. Dubenski took home 1st-star honours after stopping 41 of 47, while Scigliano was the games 2nd star after stopping 45 of 52.

Victoria was 1 for 3 with the man-advantage, while the penalty kill unit was a perfect 3 for 3 against the potent Burrards attack.

Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan
Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan
Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan
Photo by ISN photographer Craig Pullan

The scene will not shift to the lower mainland for game 3 on Sunday night from Maple Ridge.  Game 3 of the best of 7 affair is set for 6:30 on Tuesday evening back at the Q Centre.