Bellie report – @ Coastal Windows Timbermen – June 17th, 2012
The Bellies had hoped to bring back better news from their first 2012 trip to Vancouver Island. Unfortunately, their 10-8 loss to the Nanaimo Timbermen made the ferry ride home feel even longer.
This was the second match-up for these two teams. The first, the Bellies’ home opener, had been much more successful for the New West squad. When all was said and done, they’d started the season on a high note, with a 17-7 win. After keeping a steady lead that increased with each period the first time around, Sunday’s game made for a very different story.
Martin Cummings’ 11th goal of the season was the only one to the Bellies’ credit when they went to the dressing room down 3-1 after twenty minutes.
Thankfully, the second period was a complete turnaround. The Bellies reaped the benefits of taking 22 shots by celebrating six goals. Scoring credit went to Mike Berekoff, Ilija Gajic, Kevin Crowley, Jeff Zywicki and twice to Alex Gajic. Holding the Timbermen to only two goals, the tables had turned in time for the second intermission and the Bellies enjoyed a 7-5 lead with one period left to play.
Through the final twenty minutes, both teams took an even number of shots, but the home team just had an easier time getting theirs past starting goaltender, Tyler Richards. Outscored 5-1, the Bellies just couldn’t keep up with the Timbermen. The lone Bellie goal of the third period came thanks to Martin Cummings.
The Bellies led the shot totals, peppering Zach Boychuk with fifty-two while the Timbermen got 46 of their own off. Richards was credited with 36 saves in his third loss of the season.
Martin Cummings earned the WLA third star with the others being given to Nanaimo players Cody Bremner and Cory Conway.
The Bellies’ next game is at home on Thursday, June 21st vs. the Burnaby Lakers.
Check out the photo gallery from the game courtesy of David Zuskind of Digital Graffitti.