Connor Walton led the way as the South Okanagan Flames routed the Kelowna Raiders 16-1 at Memorial Arena Monday.
Walton scored five goals, including three in the third, and added eight assists. The win improved the Flames to five wins, three losses and a tie in the Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League.
Walton, who leads the Flames with 34 goals and 17 assists for 51 points in eight games, said the scoreboard proved they played hard after struggling the last couple of games. On May 27 the Flames lost 12-5 to the Vernon Tigers and earned a win over Kamloops May 15 by forfeit. On May 11 the Flames defeated the Raiders 12-7. The lone Raiders goal came with seven minutes remaining and Walton said that was a bit of a let down.
“We still have to play these guys one more time. It’s something to strive for,” said Walton.
Walton liked that the Flames moved the ball well on offence. At times he said it can become a one-man game .
“On a game like tonight, when they are very tired (the Raiders had nine players), we moved the ball well and still cut through and used that to our advantage,” he said.
Flames coach Kevin Thompson said the team regrouped following the loss to the Tigers and discussed things they need to work on. Heading into the final half of the regular season, the players are refocused. Thompson wants to see things get clicking with the group as they look to catch the Tigers at the top of the standings.
Walton said the win gives the team momentum heading into their next game June 5 when they host the Armstrong Shamrocks at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Arena.