Bellies Take Game 3 in OT Thriller

They say lacrosse is a game of runs but Game 3 of the WLA semi-finals between the New Westminster Salmonbellies and the Victoria Shamrocks took that to a whole new level. The game began as expected with tight goaltending on both sides, with Cam Dunkerley continuing in net for Victoria after his strong relief appearance in Game 2, and Frank Scigliano getting his third straight start for New Westminster. The first 12 minutes were back-and-forth and highly physical affair that featured some astonishing defensive plays. Finally, Andrew Kew opened the scoring at 11:55 but the Salmonbellies responded with a shorthanded marker from Mitch Jones at 13:41. Zach Manns added another for the Shamrocks at 15:17 before the Salmonbellies went on a three-goal run with a power play goal from Haiden Dickson followed by another PP tally from Will Malcom and another goal from Haiden Dickson at even strength. That would be the last time New Westminster would score for 27 minutes. The first period ended 4-2 in favour of the Salmonbellies who had poured on in the last 10 minutes, earning a 22-14 shot advantage.

But the second period was all Shamrocks as they outshot the Salmonbellies 18-17 and scored four unanswered goals. Andrew Kew added two more to his total, Jesse King netted another, and Kyle Pepper continued his hot streak with a goal at 15:08 giving Victoria a 6-4 lead heading into the third. The Shamrocks came out strong after the intermission and Marshal King scored at 2:42 to make it 7-4. Then the scoring slowed down, and it became the Cam and Frankie show, with both goalies making some remarkable stops . Eventually, Haiden Dickson scored his fourth of the night at 6;14 ending the long scoring drought for New Westminster. It was 7-5 for the green team, and they looked ready to wind down the clock . The bellies had different plans. That score held until 19.09 of the third when Mitch Jones brought the Salmonbellies within one with the extra attacker on the floor and then, with just 11 seconds remaining, he struck again to tie the game, sending it to overtime.

Playoff overtime is a full 10 minutes no matter who scores first and it was Mitch Jones who scored first. His fourth of the game and third in a row was the go-ahead goal for New Westminster completing his heroics and giving the team an 8-7 lead. It would also end up being the game winner.

Tyler Pace added another followed by Tye Kurtz and with half a second left on the shot clock Tyler Pace flung in his second to seal an 11-7 win for the Salmonbellies.

Mitch Jones earned first star honours with four goals and three assists. Haiden Dickson was second star with three goals and three assists and Cam Dunkerley took third star after stopping 55 of 66 shots in an outstanding effort.

It was the first game of the series where a penalty was successfully killed, but power plays remained critical with New Westminster scoring twice with the man advantage and Victoria adding one while also conceding a shorthanded goal.

The B and B Contracting Beast of the Game was Mitch Jones, but honourable mentions go to the defensive core especially Captain Drew Belgrave and veteran Jeff Cornwall who were relentless in transition and on loose balls. The game was physical with memorable hits from players not usually known for their big hits, including Tony Malcom and Tyrell Hamer-Jackson who both helped create turnovers that New Westminster recovered more often than not. Both teams had standup defensive performances, with the only major defensive lapse by Victoria on a high hit from Ari Stevens to Tyrell Hamer-Jackson that resulted in a five-minute major and two Salmonbellies power play goals.

Other standout performances included Tye Kurtz with one goal and four assists Tyler Pace with two overtime goals and three assists and Will Malcom who added a one-goal four-assist effort while making big plays in transition. Phil Caputo contributed two assists and Adam Wiedemann one, while Frank Scigliano made 42 saves on 49 shots for an 85.7 save percentage. Tyrell Hamer-Jackson went 11-for-11 in the face-off circle struggling briefly in the second period before regaining rhythm late to secure critical possessions when it mattered most.

The Salmonbellies now head to Victoria for a 6:30 game on Thursday with a chance to wrap up the series at the always challenging Q Centre. Fans can watch live on WLA-TV or join the watch party at the Notorious Grey Fox Pub in New Westminster.

Photos; Bold Photos By Shelly