The Victoria Shamrocks’ season has come down to this: two games, a handful of points, and a chance to lock down home-court advantage in the playoffs.
After dominating opponents at the Q Centre with a 7-1-1 home record, the Shamrocks hit a snag in their final home game of the season on July 18, losing 12-8 to the New Westminster Salmonbellies – their first home loss of the season.
A crowd of 2,715 watched Andrew Kew lead Victoria with five points, while Kyle Pepper and Zach Manns each added two goals. But it wasn’t enough to hold off the Salmonbellies relentless push.
“It was a disappointing night for us,” said Shamrocks general manager Chris Welch. “I thought New West was better than us in all facets of the game, and that’s tough. Up until Friday, we were undefeated at home and playing well there, so to come out with an effort like that in front of a great crowd was disappointing for sure.”
The Shamrocks still control their playoff fate.
They close the regular season on the road against the Burnaby Lakers on July 22 and the Coquitlam Adanacs on July 26.
Winning both games would secure the top seed and home-court advantage – a key edge after their dominance at the Q Centre.
But the WLA standings remain tight.
Coquitlam leads with 29 points, Victoria trails by four, followed closely by New Westminster with 24. Maple Ridge has locked up fourth place and will meet the top seed in the opening round.
“First place is within our reach,” Welch said. “We control our destiny. If we win out, we get first place, and that’s the goal. We need to be ready from the opening faceoff and put together a solid 60 minutes.”
Victoria will start the 2025 WLA playoffs against either New Westminster, whom they met in the opening round of the 2024 playoffs, or Maple Ridge, depending on the final two games.
They went 1-2 against New Westminster, and 2-0-1 against Maple Ridge in 2025 regular-season play.
Key players have stepped up in the Shamrocks’ quest to defend their title. Pepper has 16 points in his last four games.
“Kyle has been outstanding all year and was one of our best players Friday night. He’s a second-generation Shamrock, and it’s great to see him emerge as a top player in our game,” Welch said.
Manns has become one of the league’s most dangerous players, leading the Shamrocks in scoring with 45 points in 16 games.
“It took him a few games to find his footing with us, which isn’t unusual for a new club, but now he’s hitting his stride. He can score from anywhere and is a clever playmaker with lots of tools. He makes us better for sure.”
Welch also praised the Shamrocks’ loyal fanbase for creating a tough environment for opponents – one he hopes will pay off with home-court advantage.
“Our fans have been incredible this year, with rising attendance that makes it harder for visiting teams and a lot more fun for our guys," Welch said. "We couldn’t do it without their support.”
The opening round of the 2025 WLA playoffs will be a best-of-five series starting in early August.
