Salmonbellies Earn Second Mann Cup Win

It wasn’t as dramatic as Game One, but the Salmonbellies moved one win closer to a Mann Cup with a 10–6 victory over the Six Nations Chiefs in front of a sellout crowd Saturday, fuelled by breakout performances across the lineup and a game-changing night from keeper Frank Scigliano.

It was another physical affair, where the lack of time and space led to plenty of unproductive possessions for both squads. But when the game tilted, New Westminster made it count. Scigliano was the difference, turning aside 46 of 52 shots (88.5%) and standing tall under late pressure. The Bellies’ defensive group did what they’ve done all season: quietly shutting down elite scorers and finding ways to transition even when pressed.

On offence, the Bellies leaned on their depth. Tye Kurtz was a one-man orchestra (two goals, five assists), sparking the team with a first-period equalizer just minutes after Six Nations opened the scoring. From there, New Westminster never trailed again. Mitch Jones added an early power-play marker, and the Bellies began to roll.

Haiden Dickson was the story of the second period, piling up two goals and two assists, including another buzzer-beater with one second left before intermission. Will Malcom (one goal, five assists) was in command on the left side, while Marcus Klarich notched his first as a Salmonbellie. In his debut, Ryan Sheridan added a pair of timely third-period goals before Jeff Cornwall closed it out with a transition empty-netter.

For Six Nations, Josh Byrne did everything he could, scoring twice and adding an assist to earn the Chiefs’ player-of-the-game nod. Ryan Smith (1–2) and Dawson Theede (1–1) chipped in offensively, while the Chiefs’ press caused issues early. But Scigliano and the Bellies’ transition gradually turned those breakdowns into chances the other way. Warren Hill finished with 30 saves on 40 shots (.750) for the Chiefs.

Discipline remained a storyline: the contest ended with two 10-minute misconducts to each bench and 65 penalty minutes overall. In the end, New Westminster’s depth and goaltending carried the night.

With the series at 2–0, the Bellies hope to carry their momentum into Game 3 on Monday at 7:30 p.m., with Game 4 set for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for both are on sale now.Photo: Bold Photos By Shelly