Kirk impressive as Lakers play most complete game yet in series

The Peter borough Century 21 Lake rs never doubted goalie Evan Kirk and he showed why Tuesday night.

After being pulled following six goals on 12 shots in Game 2 of the Mann Cup, Kirk won game star honours in Game 4. His timely saves elevated the Lakers past the New Westminster Salmonbellies 9-7 at Queen’s Park Arena.

After losing the opening two games the Lakers have rallied in Game 4 on Tuesday night to tie the best-of-seven Canadian senior A lacrosse championship 2-2. Game 5 was Wednesday night and Game 6 is Friday at 10:30 p.m. EST.

It wasn’t just Kirk, though, as the Lakers never trailed and turned in what defensive coach Bobby Keast called their most complete game. They also got offence from unsung heroes like Thomas Hoggarth and Turner Evans with two goals each while Curtis Dickson and Adam Jones led with four points each.

“It’s gratifying for sure,” Kirk said. “They’re a good team. (Being pulled) happens to every goalie. You just have to rebound. It’s water under the bridge. You just refocus and reset.”

Kirk said it was an adjustment for everyone the first two games in New West.

“Just getting used to being out here and the different atmosphere. The (wood) floor is its own beast,” he said.

“We knew what Kirky was about,” Hoggarth said. “We knew what he was capable of. He’s an elite goalie.”

Kirk and Matt Vinc have alternated games all season. Keast said there was never a question of who would start Game 4.

“It was Evan Kirk all along. This is a war and you always have to plan on it being a seven-game series,” Keast said. “For us to have success we’re going to have to be fresh and that includes our goaltenders. Obviously the media picked him as MVP but he was our MVP from the get-go. He saved our butts a couple of times as goalies are supposed to.”

Hoggarth was a force at both ends of the floor and his effort was also a bit of redemption. His five-minute penalty in overtime of Game 1 cost the Lakers the game’s deciding goals.

“After Game 1, I put that behind me and I just played my game and kept it simple,” Hoggarth said. “I always have the green light to go and tonight I really went for the opportunities.”

“This was our first complete game; offensively, defensively and goaltending,” said Keast. “Guys executed our offensive and defensive plans .... Now we’re back to even and we have to focus on (Wednesday).”

For a second straight game the ceremonial faceoff created a stir. After Robert Hope swept away the draw from Curtis Hodgson in Game 3, four Salmonbellies joined Hodgson at the dot and no faceoff was taken when both teams converged and words were exchanged.