The Langley Thunder hosted the Nanaimo Timbermen at the Langley Events Centre on Wednesday night to kick off Week 2 in the WLA. The Thunder began the season with a win over Burnaby, while Nanaimo fell to New Westminster in Week 1. Jon Phillips and Caleb Khan continued their hot starts for the Thunder in an 11-6 win over the Timbermen, improving to 2-0.
Thunder take control from the opening whistle
Ben Vanderkley opened the scoring for Langley at 1:49 mark. Connor Robinson (7:32) and Evan Messenger (8:01) followed for a 3-0 lead. Jordon Neary finally got Nanaimo on the board at 11:27, but Robinson netted his second (12:12) to keep Langley in front by three after the first period. Messenger scored another goal just 10 ticks into the second period to make it 5-1. The Timbermen cut the lead in half, with goals from Jeremy Wudrick (5:34) and Coady Adamson (10:07). However, Langley responded with a three-goal run to end the second period. Hudson Chivers (12:09) and a pair from Jon Phillips (13:46; 15:03) gave the Thunder an 8-3 edge going into the final 20 minutes of play.
Langley holds on for second straight win
Langley struck quickly again to open the third period, with Nathaniel Kozevnikov (1:01) giving the Thunder a 9-3 lead. Chase Schiavon (11:59) and Liam Ronan (16:59 empty net) would also score for Langley in the period. Nanaimo would counter with goals from Ben Musso (8:53) and Thomas Vaesen (12:31; 18:51 power play) but could not make up the deficit.
Thunder goaltender Caleb Khan turned in another outstanding performance, stopping 48 of 54 shots and earning 1st Star of the Game honors. Phillips (2g, 2a) got 2nd Star for the Thunder, and Schiavon (1g, 1a) took home 3rd Star of the Game. The Timbermen fall to 0-2 on the season; they host Victoria on Saturday in their home opener.
