POST-GAME REPORT: Visiting Salmonbellies Surge Past Shamrocks 12–8

July 18, 2025 - The New Westminster Salmonbellies took a massive step forward in their battle for top spot in the WLA standings Friday night, claiming a decisive 12–8 win over the Victoria Shamrocks at the Q Centre in Colwood. With the victory, the Salmonbellies earned two critical points and now sit just one back of both the Shamrocks and the Coquitlam Adanacs, who are tied for first with 25 points. The Bellies finish the season series at 2-1 versus Victoria and hold the tiebreaker if needed.

The win was powered by four different two-goal performances from Haiden Dicksn, Mitch Jones, Tye Kurtz, and Jeff Cornwall. The Salmonbellies led at the end of every period and put on a clinic in the third, shutting out the Shamrocks with a three-goal burst while keeping the home team off the board.

Goaltender Frank Scigliano stood tall in net, stopping 37 of 45 shots for a strong .822 save percentage, despite the Salmonbellies missing key defensive stalwarts Brett Mydske, Drew Belgrave, and both Lupul brothers. The defensive unit was steady all night, highlighted by standout performances from Ben Soenen, Zac Masson, Jeff Cornwall, Brandon Goodwin, and Conner Cook. Nathan Henare stepped in alongside Luke Soenen and Ryan Heard and the defense seemed to work seamlessly most of the night.

Faceoff ace Tyrell Hammer-Jackson gave New Westminster another edge, winning 17 of 23 draws against Tyler Burton. Hammer has dominated at the face-off dot and tonight was one of his most solid performances, despite some smothering play by Victoria’s ball crew.

Jeff Cornwall, in particular, had a night to remember, dominating in transition with multiple rushes and two goals, including a short-handed beauty. Tye Kurtz also played a critical role, scoring twice and adding three assists. Mitch Jones earned first star honours with 2 goals and 4 assists, putting him at 80 points and 45 assists so far, tops in the WLA. Dickson was named third star after a 2-goal, 3-assist performance that leaves him alone atop  league scoring with 41, while no one else has cracked the 40 mark. Dickson’s second goal tonight was also the game-winner, putting tops in the GWG category too, with four.

The physical game escalated late in the third period when Victoria’s Elijah Gash was ejected after grabbing and punching Kurtz, resulting in a rare one-sided fighting major. Moments later, Kaschalk began hacking at a downed Jeff Cornwall, leading to a quick fight with Nathan Henare stepping in to handle business.

Penalties were a huge factor as the game moved on. After taking four of the first five penalties, New Westminster kept their composure, finishing with just 13 of the game’s 57 penalty minutes.  Meanwhile the Shamrock players found themselves headed to the box or dressing room frequently during the third period.

Victoria, already down star players Marshall King and Alex Simmons, struggled to generate offence against a stifling Salmonbellies defence. Andrew Kew led the Shamrocks with 2 goals and 3 assists, with only Zach Manns and Kyle Pepper managed 2-goal games for the home team. Chris Origlieri took the loss in net for Victoria, stopping 44 of 56 shots for a .786 save percentage.

Playoff Race Heating Up

With just two games remaining — both against the Langley Thunder — the Salmonbellies aren’t in full control of their own fate. Wins next Wednesday in Langley and Thursday at home would lift them to 28 points, enough to secure first place, provided they get help from teams fighting for fourth place in the final stretch.

Victoria faces the Burnaby Lakers on Tuesday, who still have playoff aspirations after an upset of Langley tonight.

Coquitlam will battle Nanaimo (July 20) and Langley (tomorrow at Poirier Arena). The T-Men are already out of the playoff battle, but the Thunder need wins if they want that last playoff spot. It will be tough to be a Thunder player as they are about to play 4 games in 7 nights.

The Adanacs host the Shamrocks in the final game of the regular season on Saturday, July 26 and it is very likely that the final playoff-position will be decided in that game.

Next Up: Langley Thunder – Twice

Catch the Salmonbellies in action for their final two regular-season games:

• Wednesday, July 23 @ Langley Thunder (Langley Events Centre – 7:30) - Buy tickets here.
• Thursday, July 24 vs. Langley Thunder at Queen’s Park Arena 7:30 - Buy tickets here.

Playoff Dates: Stay Tuned!

The first round of the WLA playoffs will begin for us on July 28 or 29, depending on standings. The Salmonbellies are guaranteed a spot, but whether they’ll host or start on the road remains to be seen. We’ll announce dates and go live with ticket sales as soon as the schedule is confirmed so stay tuned!

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