The Nanaimo Timbermen need a victory tonight over the Victoria Shamrocks to secure a Western Lacrosse Association playoff berth.

But don’t expect the playoff-bound Shamrocks to take it easy in both teams’ final game of the regular season.

With their season on the line, the Timbermen (8-9-0) will be giving it all they’ve got against the 11-6-0 Shamrocks, who sit second in the WLA and fifth in the national rankings.

With second place locked up, it’s easy to think the Shamrocks might take it easy, but that won’t be the case, says head coach Walt Christianson.

“We’re taking this game very seriously,” Christianson said yesterday. “Although we have a second-place guarantee no mater the outcome of the game, we’re not going to take it lightly at all. We’re going in like any playoff game.”

He admits a number of his players are out because of injuries, but the team is deep enough to have quality replacements ready to step in.

The Shamrocks will face Lewis Ratcliff, a former teammate who was recently traded to the Timbermen. Fans will be able to watch Victoria’s Ryan Benesch, who is having a great year, go toe to toe against his friend.

“There’s a bit of a rivalry between the teams, and that’s good,” said Christianson.

Fans attending the game will also be treated to some creative entertainment. There will be a tailgate party, a game-worn jersey sale and the biggest mascot event of the year.

All the city’s favourite mascots, Marty, Grizz, Seamore, Thunder, Terry Trader, Cooper Co-op, Daisy the Cow, Buzz, Popeye, Jack FM Prize Pig and Sidney the Kidney will join Rocky at Bear Mountain Arena. Organizers also say that for one night only, they will bring back Rocket, the Shamrocks’ beloved Floor Inspector.

The pre-game entertainment starts at 6 p.m. and game time is 7:45.

parrais@tc.canwest.com