With a dominant 12-5 win over the Saanich Tigers, the Cowichan Valley Thunder clinched first place in the Pacific Northwest Junior Lacrosse League.
"Sunday's game against Saanich was one of our strongest of the season," coach Lorne Winship said. "Our defence and goaltending were outstanding."
Adam Golia led the attack with four goals and one assist, while Graham Winship had three goals and three helpers. Tyson Black scored once and added five assists, Brandon Corby had a goal and three helpers, Colin Winship had two goals, and Kelvin Philp had a goal and an assist. Kristian Mousseau chipped in with three assists and Luke Anderson added one.
Unfortunately for the Thunder, Thursday's regular season finale against the Westshore Bears at the Q Centre was their last game of the season. Without a commitment to go to provincials, the league won't allow the Thunder to play in the Island playoffs, leaving the Tigers and Bears to battle for the banner.
The intermediate B Thunder meanwhile, are awaiting the winner of the first-round playoff series between Saanich and Juan de Fuca before their Island championship series can begin.