In a game of monumental comebacks, the Westlock Junior Rock fell just short against the Sherwood Park Titans at the Rotary Spirit Centre on Sunday, April 17 in Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League pre-season action.
Behind for most of the game, the Rock rallied back to take a 10-8 lead into the final two minutes of play, but saw the lead vanish, while a goal with 14.6 seconds to go left the Rock on the wrong end of an 11-10 decision.
Coach Mike Ivey said it was a good chance to see some game action against a strong opponent before the regular season opens in just under two weeks.
“It was a good exhibition game — tight, no question,” Ivey said.
“It was a good test for us. Sometimes exhibition games are slow and guys take a while to get back in it, but it was intense right from the start.”
The Rock got off to a slow start and were behind 4-1 after the first. The clubs traded goals in the second, but the Rock still trailed 7-5 after two.
A strong third frame saw the boys take their first lead of the game, before the wheels came off in the last two minutes.
“If we didn’t start so slow in this game, we would have completely had it,” Ivey said. “In the second and third periods we completely dominated. We were all over them.”
While Ivey said it was his intent to give all his players a chance to see game action, including both goalies, the team was playing for the win.
“That’s how we always play. I wanted to get some of our young guys out there and give them a chance to play and they did well. I thought the young guys played well,” he said.
“It’s tough to fall that short, but at the same time you’ve got to face adversity and now we know what we need to work on.”
Ivey was critical of his team’s defensive effort, but praised their strong offence on Sunday afternoon.
“We’ve got some things to work on, but I can tell the passion is there and I can tell the character is there.
“I think we are ready to get going. Lots of things to get figured out at practice.”
The club next hits the arena floor for their home opener on Friday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. against the Edmonton Warriors at the Rotary Spirit Centre.
The club then plays host to the Vermilion Roar on Sunday, May 1, at 2:30 p.m. before hitting the road for three-straight league games.
