Vancouver Warriors fall short in home opener against the Colorado Mammoth

JORDAN FREW/GATG

On November 29, the Vancouver Warriors took on the Colorado Mammoth at home in their season opener. The Warriors were aiming to get a win in their first game of the season and first game in front of the home crowd, but unfortunately, they fell short and lost 10-7 to the Mammoth.

Coming off their first playoff appearance last year, the Warriors were looking to continue that momentum into the new season. They brought in new faces over the off-season, including Curtis Dickson and Jesse King, to strengthen their team, and they are already showing they fit in.

The first quarter saw pressure from both teams. Opportunities were back-and-forth, and it was the Mammoth that capitalized first, opening the scoring with 3.7 seconds left in the quarter.

The Warriors came out strong in the second quarter trying to get the goal back. Instead, the Mammoth scored their second of the night on a Warriors power play. On the same power play, the Warriors scored, cutting the Mammoth’s lead back to one.

The teams exchanged goals one more time before the quarter was over for a score of 3-2 at halftime. 

The Mammoth took a penalty with 9 seconds left in the second quarter. This carried over to the start of the third quarter, and the Warriors took full advantage to tie the score 3-3.

Another penalty against the Mammoth saw the Warriors score their fourth power play goal and take their first lead of the game. 

It did not last long, as not even a minute later, the Mammoth tied it up 4-4. This was the Mammoth’s first goal of five in a row to take an 8-4 lead. Two of these goals were scored on the powerplay.

Before the quarter was up, the Warriors got one back for a score of 8-5 with one quarter remaining.

The Warriors had 15 minutes to score 3 more to tie the game, permitting the Mammoth did not score again.

Like the start of the third, the Warriors started the fourth on the power play. Unfortunately unlike last time, they did not capitalize.

The Warriors did score twice more, both short-handed, to get within one goal of the Mammoth, 8-7.

It was then the Mammoth who scored twice for a final score of 10-7.

While it was not the outcome the Warriors wanted, it was still a strong effort. 

Goaltender Christian Del Bianco picked up where he left off, having a good presence in net. Keegan Bal had a point on every Warriors goal. As well, Warriors debut players, King and Dickson, combined for 7 points and each scored their first as a Warrior.

An area that needs improvement is the face-off, as the Warriors won only 4 out of 20. It was only the first game of the season and there is still lots of time to improve and lacrosse left to play.

The Warriors have a bye-week, before they play at Rogers Arena on December 13 against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs at 7:00pm. This is their teddy bear toss game, a part of their First Nations night.