Faccin shines in ALL debut as Sea Spray defeat Grizzlies

Nate Faccin made 37 saves as the Sea Spray defeated the Grizzlies 9-6 in Arena Lacrosse League West Division play at Langley Events Centre on Dec. 3. Ryan Molag photo

New team, new league and little familiarity with his teammates? No problem for Nate Faccin. 

Making his Arena Lacrosse League debut, the goaltender delivered a 37-save performance as the Sea Spray won 9-6 over the Grizzlies in a defensive battle.

Currently a member of the National Lacrosse League’s Colorado Mammoth but with the team off this weekend, Faccin suited up for the Sea Spray on Sunday afternoon at Langley Events Centre, earning the game’s second star.

“Whatever league, whatever level, you just have to go out and try and stop the ball,” Faccin said. “The defence kept the guys to the outside and didn’t let many skips through. They just let me see the ball.”

The Grizzlies entered week 4 averaging more than 18 goals per game but were held to one third that amount on Sunday.

“Great team effort. The defence was amazing; I loved how hard they battled. The goaltender – his first time with the team – he was great,” said coach Ian Paterson, also highlighting the fact that of the six goals they did surrender, four came in transition.  

“It is a good formula to always start with the defence and go from there. If our D and goaltending is like that, we are going to be a tough team to beat,” he added.

The Grizzlies were ahead 4-3 late in the third quarter but the Sea Spray scored three times in the final 3:04 – including goals 25 seconds apart – for a 6-4 lead they would not relinquish.

With Faccin holding down the fort at one end, first star No. 1 Tyler Kirkby led the offensive attack with a pair of goals and six points. Eli Batt (2-1) and Adam Dickson also had two-goal performances while Joshua Yachney (1-1), Tyler Yachney and Nathan McKeigan scored a goal apiece.

For the Grizzlies, goaltender Brayden Wandler was the third star after stopping 32 of 41 shots. Aidan Baker led the team with two goals and Nash Moog had a goal and two helpers. Will Carriere, Aaron Skye and Joe Callard scored one goal apiece. 

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