The Victoria Shamrocks erased not one, not two, but 3 separate 4-goal deficits to defeat the Maple Ridge Burrards 17-14 in the wildest game of the season at the Q Centre.
In front of what could only be described as the rowdiest crowd of the year, the Shamrocks outscored the Burrards in the decisive 3rd period by a score of 8-2. Trailing 14-10 in the 3rd, the Shamrocks would rattle off seven consecutive goals to steal this one away from the Burrards. The Shamrocks rode the wave of momentum provided by the Q Centre faithful as the buzz in the building was noticeable on both sides of the floor, especially down the stretch.
All told on the night, the 31 goals and the combined shot total of 119 were both season highs during this wild and crazy night.
The Burrards lead 6-4 after 20 minutes, and 12-9 after 40 minutes before things got started in the 3rd period.
The Shamrocks power play was deadly all evening long, and really kept them in the contest when it appeared Maple Ridge might be able to add some distance. The powerplay finished the night 5 for 6, good for an 83.3% conversion rate.
As might be expected with 31 combined goals, it was a tough night for the goaltenders. Both Pete Dubenski and Frank Scigliano were lifted at one point or another in the game, and as a matter of fact, Scigliano was yanked twice in favour of Christian Del Bianco. Cody Hagedorn came in to relieve Dubenski for just over 15 minutes in the 2nd period before Dubenski returned for the 3rd period. The move seemed to spark Dubenski as he finished the 3rd period by stopping 22 of 24 shots to seal the win for the Shamrocks.
Jesse King was simply lights out on the night with 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points. Not surprisingly, the effort was enough to earn the games 1st star. Chris Wardle with 3+4 and Tyson Gibson with 2+5 also had 7 points each in the win. Tyler Pace and Chris Boushey each scored a pair, while Connor Robinson, Adrian Sorichetti, and Tyler Burton scored singles.
Dane Dobbie had 4 goals in the loss for the Burrards and was ejected at the 17:23 mark of the 3rd period, much to the delight of the Shamrocks fans in attendance. Doobie was provided several well wishes as he strolled off the floor as the raucous crowd was in full celebration mode by that point of the 3rd period.
The Shamrocks now lead the best of 7 series 2 games to 1 with game 4 in Maple Ridge on Friday night. Game 5 is set for Sunday night at the Q Centre, game time is 6:00 pm. Tickets will be on sale at the Q Centre box office for the remainder of the week between 9am and 5pm. The Box Office will then re-open on Sunday at noon.
