The New Westminster Salmonbellies' hopes for a 2009 Mann Cup redemption were dashed by the Langley Thunder in late August.
The 8-8-2 Thunder came from nowhere to upset the defending three-time Western Lacrosse Association champion Salmonbellies in six games with a 7-5 victory in Langley in the bestof-seven playoff final.
WLA rookie of the year and Langley goalie Brodie MacDonald was named the playoff MVP.
"Of course we wanted to host the Mann Cup, but it didn't turn out the way we wanted it to. We're not the only team that had those aspirations," said an emotional 'Bellies captain Nenad Gajic after the game.
New Westminster finished first in the WLA regular season four of the last five seasons but appeared vulnerable in 2011 due to any number of players in and out of the lineup for various reasons all season long.
"It's obviously very disappointing we lost," added Gajic. "We had high expectations from our fans. We don't make injuries and absences an excuse. It's part of the game, - and we have to live with it."
