The Richmond Roadrunners are headed back to the Provincial Intermediate "A" Lacrosse Championships after surviving a playoff series scare from the Langley Thunder.
The Roadrunners booked their ticket into this weekend's four-team tournament in Maple Ridge with an 11-4 win over the Thunder in the deciding game of the best-of-three series on Tuesday night at Minoru. The match-up looked to be lopsided on paper as Richmond cruised to a 15-3 regular season record while Langley finished at 8-10. The Roadrunners rolled to a 19-5 victory in game one but the Thunder responded with a 12-11 game two win at home to send the series to the limit.
Langley jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the deciding game before Richmond standout goaltender Ryland Hood, who missed game two, shut the door. The hosts pulled away by outscoring the Thunder 7-1 over the final 40 minutes.
Braeden Jensen, Josh McLaughlin and Tysen Stoddart each netted hat tricks. Regular season scoring champion Tyler Vogrig finished with six points, including a pair of goals.
Spencer Bromley, Jayden Campbell, Travis Grant and Stoddart added two assists each. Single helpers went to Connor Davidson, Brad Hoffman and McLaughlin.
Richmond is making its third consecutive trip to provincials but have yet to win a medal, despite back-to-back regular season championships. The boys get a huge test right out of the gate today against the Maple Ridge Burrards who took both meetings from the Roadrunners during the regular season.
The locals also face Coquitlam on Saturday and Victoria Sunday. The gold and bronze medal games will take place on B.C. Day.
