The South Okanagan Flames improved to 2-0 in the Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League on Monday.
The Flames had their home opener against the Armstrong Shamrocks at Memorial Arena, winning 20-13.
After trailing 5-3 at the end of the first period, the Flames outgunned the Shamrocks 17-8 over the next two periods.
"Overall we played well. We had a slow first period," said Flames captain Kaid MacLeod, who racked up 17 points. "We just didn't seem focused. We didn't have our energy up. We came back in the second and had a real good period. Third period good as well. We went hard after loose balls."
The Shamrocks score a minute into the second period to make it 6-3 before the Flames took a lead and didn't look back. MacLeod, who was part of a ceremony to honour former teammate Chris Pond who had his No. 21 sweater retired, said the win builds their confidence.
The matchup featured plenty of hard hits, with some causing players to take exception to. In the second period, Chace Moog was on the receiving end of a cheap shot as he was knocked down on the way to his bench.
"I really have no idea," said Moog, adding the Shamrock player came out of nowhere. "I never saw him. The weirdest play."
Throughout the night Moog said he received a few spears to his stomach and the Shamrocks were hitting high. However, Moog praised how the visitors played hard defensively and that the Flames kept their composure.
There were only a few other minor incidents after that. Flames coach Kevin Thompson didn't see the play on Moog, but said that is "unfortunately" part of the game.
When it came to his teams play, Thompson said there is room for improvement.
"I really like that they are a controlled team. They didn't get all stressed out when we were down two goals at the end of the first," said Thompson, who played midget players Aidan Danby and Freddy Harbinson. "We turned it around. Everybody individually has a responsibility. It's a weird concept to blend individualism with team work. Everybody has a job."
The Flames got early exhibition action in with the Ice Breaker tournament. They lost 9-7 to the Vernon Tigers and 12-7 to the Kamloops Venom.
The Flames are back in action Friday to take on the Shamrocks on the road. Their next home game is May 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Arena.