The Nanaimo Timbermen came into Week 9 of the WLA with a record of 6-8, having lost two of three games the week prior. Despite being under the .500 mark, Nanaimo still held on to the fourth and final playoff spot. It made the stakes in Week 9 that much higher, as they faced the two teams directly beneath them in the standings. However, the Timbermen prevailed in both games, improving to 8-8 on the season, and giving them at least a one-game buffer over both teams for that final playoff spot with only three weeks to play.
Nanaimo 13, Burnaby 10 – Friday July 17, 2026
Nanaimo traveled to Bill Copeland Arena Friday night for their final regular season meeting with the Lakers. Despite being outshot 58-47 for the game, the Timbermen held lead of 5-3 after one period, and 10-7 after two periods. Burnaby started the third period with a three-goal run to tie the game 10-10, but Nanaimo added three more goals late for the 13-10 win, which gave the Timbermen the season series, two games to one.
Top scorers for Nanaimo were Matt Boas (2g, 2a), Jeremy Wudrick (2g, 1a), Andrew Bowman (1g, 4a), and Colton Lidstone (1g, 2a). Noah Manning and Gord Phillips each added two goals, and Aaron Skye had an empty-netter to close the scoring in the third period. Colby Bowman made 48 saves in net for the win. Andrew Bowman was named 1st Star of the Game, and Joel Mullen (1a) was named 3rd Star for Nanaimo.
The Lakers were led by Ryan Favaro (4g, 2a; 2nd Star of the Game) and Tyler Kirkby (3g, 3a), Carter Torok, Ben Stewart, and Jake Young each added a goal, and Ethan M’Lot recorded four assists. Tyson Johnson went 15 for 26 on faceoffs, and Marc Rippberger turned aside 34 shots in net in the losing effort.
Nanaimo 18, New Westminster 9 – Saturday July 18, 2026
The following night, the Timbermen hosted the New Westminster Salmonbellies at Frank Crane Arena for their third and final meeting of the season. Nanaimo led 7-5 after one period, then blew the game open in the second, outscoring the Salmonbellies 6-1. The 18-9 victory over New Westminster gives the Timbermen a season sweep. Nanaimo outshot the Salmonbellies 57-47 and also swept the Three Stars of the Game. Ryan Sheridan (4g, 1a; 1st Star), Noah Manning (2g, 7a; 2nd Star), and Andrew Bowman (4g, 3a; 3rd Star) led the way for the Timbermen. Other scorers for Nanaimo were Josh Gabriele (3g, 1a), Matt Boas (2g, 3a), Colton Lidstone (2g, 1a), and Jeremy Wudrick (1g, 1a). Tyler Kloeckl went 19 for 29 on faceoffs, and Colby Bowman made 38 saves in net.
The Salmonbellies dropped to 5-9 with the loss; another loss or another Timbermen win will eliminate New Westminster from playoff contention. Will Malcom had four goals on the night; other contributors for the Salmonbellies included Noah Armitage (1g, 4a), Lukas Nielsen (1g, 2a), Cameron Ickert (1g, 1a), Will Mackay (1g, 1a), Ben Soenen (1g) and Owen Rahn (2a). In net, Ashton Leclair stopped 34 of 49 shots in 47 minutes of playing time. Liam Froese made five saves on eight shots in relief of Leclair.
