Chiefs Break Out to Earn Win in Game 3

The Six Nations Chiefs finally broke through offensively in Game Three of the Mann Cup, outscoring the New Westminster Salmonbellies 19–9. Despite the decisive win, the Salmonbellies still hold a 2–1 series lead.

Brendan Bomberry opened the scoring, but Will Malcom quickly tied the game. From there, the Chiefs found their rhythm. Lyle Thompson struck just 18 seconds later, sparking a four-goal run that put Six Nations up 5–1. Malcom and Mitch Jones hit back for New Westminster, but goals from Dhane Smith and Thompson kept the Chiefs comfortably ahead 8–3 after the first period.

Justin Geddie took over the goaltending duties, but Six Nations still dominated the second. Shayne Jackson and Smith extended the margin before Haiden Dickson netted the lone Salmonbellies goal of the frame. Randy Staats scored the first of his four goals soon after, and the Chiefs closed the period firmly in control, leading 14–4.

New Westminster found more offence in the third. Malcom completed his hat trick, while Jordan Gilles and Conner Cook each tallied their first goals of the Mann Cup. Marcus Klarich and Ryan Sheridan added markers, but the Chiefs kept answering. Staats completed his hat trick, Ryan Smith buried his third of the night, and Dawson Theede capped the scoring in the 19–9 final.

Late-game dustups between Steve Priolo, Tyler Pace, and Nonkon Thompson ended the game, but the outcome was already sealed.

With the pressure on, Six Nations brought another level of physicality to the series. Their offence was more precise than in the first two games, with sharp passing, strong off-ball movement, and persistent inside attacks. New Westminster struggled to get going, with rushed outside shots that often turned into transition chances the other way. It became a game of momentum, but New Westminster gathered some of the momentum back in the third.

The Chiefs pulled one back, but the Salmonbellies still lead the best-of-seven 2–1. For fans, the Six Nations win means a fifth game will be needed. Game Four is already sold out, and tickets for Game 5 are live and going fast already.

Scoring Leaders

• Six Nations Chiefs: Dhane Smith (4G, 6A), Randy Staats (4G, 3A), Lyle Thompson (3G, 6A), Ryan Smith (3G, 4A), Shayne Jackson (1G, 2A), Brendan Bomberry (1G, 1A), Ian McKay (1G, 1A), Josh Byrne (3A, left game early).
• New Westminster Salmonbellies: Will Malcom (3G), Mitch Jones (1G, 5A), Ty Kurtz (3A), Haiden Dickson (1G, 1A), Conner Cook (1G), Jordan Gilles (1G), Marcus Klarich (1G), Ryan Sheridan (1G).

Goaltending

• Six Nations: Doug Jamieson stopped 38 of 47 shots (.763 SV%).
• New Westminster: Frank Scigliano (18:06, 12 saves, 8GA, .600 SV%), Justin Geddie (41:54, 28 saves, 11GA, .718 SV%).

Players of the Game:

Six Nations: Lyle Thompson

New Westminster: Will Malcom

Photos: Bold Photos by Shelly