Second-half surge leads Sea Spray to victory

Sea Spray's Gordie Phillips cuts to the net against the defence of Black Fish's Connar Abrams (#42) and Conrad Squarek (#56) during Arena Lacrosse League West action on February 21 at Langley Events Centre. Ryan Molag LEC photo

Despite 53 saves from goaltender Brandon Humphrey, the Black Fish could not muster enough offence, falling 12-8 to the Sea Spray.

The Arena Lacrosse League West Division game was played on Tuesday (February 21) at Langley Events Centre. The Sea Spray improved to 8-5 while the Black Fish sit at 5-8.

It was Humphrey’s second 50-plus save game of the season – he had 54 back in December when he was a member of the Grizzlies. The 54 remains a season-high in the ALL West while Humphrey also had a 61-save performance for the Grizzlies in last year’s playoffs, an all-time high for the division.

But despite his heroics against the Sea Spray on Tuesday – which earned him the game’s second-star award following his .828 save percentage -- the team could not capitalize as they scored just a pair of second-half goals, both of which came in the fourth quarter while the Sea Spray scored eight times over the final 30 minutes to erase a 6-4 deficit.

Five Sea Spray players scored two goals apiece with Tyler Kirkby earning first-star honours following his two-goal, six-point performance. Tyler Ewen continued his strong play with five assists as he now has nine goals and 20 points in his last three contests.

James Rahe (2+2), Marcus Klarich (2+1), Keegan Bell (2+1), Lukas Nielsen (2+0) and Eli Batt (1+1) had the team’s other goals. Lee Jackman made 39 saves on 47 shots (.813 save percentage) and was third star.

Brandon Luitwieler led the Black Fish with a goal and two assists, while Ethan M’Lot, Graden Soucy, Ryan Jones, Ryan Jensen and Laszlo Henning each had a goal and a helper. Anthony Buono and Matt Symes rounded out the team’s scoring with a goal apiece.

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