Saturday's opening game of the B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League semifinals promises to be a classic, pitting an offensive juggernaut against the league's top defence.
The Coquitlam Adanacs play host to the high-scoring Victoria Shamrocks Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Coquitlam Sports Centre.
"It will be a great series. It should be extremely fast and there's a lot of skill on both teams," said Adanacs coach Neil Doddridge. "I think both teams have good goaltending so it will be entertaining to say the least."
The Adanacs finished atop the league standings with a 17-4 record, earning a first-round bye, while the Shamrocks swept the Delta Islanders 10-6, 12-8 in their quarterfinal series.
"We've had a bit of a break here and they've had a series so they're in a bit of a rhythm. It's key to find that rhythm early and set the tone for the series," said Doddridge. "We're playing back to back [facing off again Sunday evening in Victoria] so it's important our first two periods are strong."
He believes the Adanacs' stingy defence will have the edge over the league's most potent offence.
"I always find it's easier to settle your defence in than your offence," said Doddridge, who is familiar with the style played by the Shamrocks.
"I played for their coach, Normal Dillon, when we were fortunate to win Mann Cups with the Shamrocks in '97 and '99 so I know his coaching style. It's not a surprise that they're offensively gifted. They're more of a running team and they'll be willing to trade chances offensively."
Jesse King (34 goals, 27 assists in 15 games), Brody Eastwood (42 goals, 22 assists in 14 games) and Chris Wardle (46 goals, 44 assists in 21 games) provide the bulk of Victoria's firepower. The Adanacs' offence is led by Chase McIntyre (20 goals, 55 assists in 19 games), Reid Reinholdt (25 goals, 43 assists in 14 games) and Matt Delmonico (36 goals, 31 assists in 16 games).
The Adanacs head into the series holding down the No. 2 spot in the Subway Lacrosse Talk National Rankings, trailing only the Six Nations Arrows of the Ontario league.
"I wasn't aware of that, that's good," said Doddridge. "But I'd rather be No. 1 on Aug. 26 than No. 1 in the middle of July."
l In West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association playoff action, the Tri-City Bandits square off against the Port Moody Thunder in game two of their best-of-three series Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the Port Coquitlam rec complex. Game three, if necessary, goes Sunday at 3:30 p.m. in Port Coquitlam.
