Defending champs Black Fish back in ALL West Finals

Brian Gillis (left) and Chase McIntryre celebrate a first-quarter goal during the Black Fish's 13-4 victory over the Sea Spray in the Arena Lacrosse League West semi-final game on March 29 at Langley Events Centre. Ryan Molag photo

A fast start set the tone early as the Black Fish booked their spot in the championship finals.

The defending Arena Lacrosse League West champions struck for five goals in the opening quarter and eight of the first nine in a dominant 13-4 win over the Sea Spray in the semi-final round on Saturday afternoon at Langley Events Centre.

“Coming off five weeks off and then three games in a row, we were shorthanded. We had all our guys out today and it felt really good; we had a flow and just to get that confidence back,” said Connor Watson, referencing the fact the team had three games in a six-day span where they played one, six and three players short of a full line-up. But with a full roster for Saturday’s contest, the Black Fish were full value for their victory.

“We play really well when we are moving the ball and everyone is playing fast,” Watson added.

Watson and Rhys Porteous each had hat tricks and five points in the win with Brian Gillis leading all scorers with a goal and five helpers. Kordell Primus and Reece Barnes scored twice apiece with Chase McIntyre (1-2) and Jordan Roberts completing the scoring. Brandon Humphrey was dominant in goal, stopping 38 of 42 shots (.905 save percentage).

The Sea Spray did make one charge in the game as they scored twice in the final 19 seconds before halftime to cut the deficit to 8-3 before opening the third quarter with another quick strike to pull within four. But that would be it as the Black Fish locked things down for the final 28 minutes.

“They made a run, but then we closed the door,” said Black Fish coach Rod Jensen. “You are not always going to be able to put the ball in the net, but you just want to make sure their runs are quick and short.”

The Sea Spray – who were missing their leading scorer James Rahe – struggled to put the ball in the net as they were held to a season-low four goals. Trevayne Hunter (2-1), Adam Dickson (1-1) and Seamus Bankier were the only players to beat Humphrey. Tyler Kirkby finished with helpers on all four goals. Marc Rippberger made 43 saves on 56 shots.

UP NEXT: The ALL West championship series will be played on April 5 and 6 at Langley Events Centre with both games beginning at 1:00pm. Should the teams each win one game, a 10-minute mini-game will be played following a short break after the conclusion of the April 6 contest.

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