Salmonbellies Find Momentum; Take 3-1 Lead in Finals

The Salmonbellies took control of the game and the WLA Finals with a thrilling 8-6 home victory over the Coquitlam Adanacs, earning a 3-1 series lead and setting up a potential championship-clinching game on Wednesday, August 20 at Coquitlam’s Poirier Leisure Complex.

From the opening whistle, the Salmonbellies dictated the pace. They captured nearly every faceoff - ace Tyrell Hamer-Jackson went 16-1 - and dominated the shot clock early, turning rebounds into scoring chances and sustaining high-pressure possession. Christian Del Bianco, back in goal for the Adanacs, kept his team close with key saves, particularly in the first two periods.

But the Bellies’ early onslaught was too much. As he has done all season, Haiden Dickson delivered the spark with a big opening goal, then added another later to halt a brief Coquitlam surge and reignite the home crowd.

Zac Masson provided another jolt of energy. A defensive force throughout the postseason, he finally broke through in transition, scoring on a breakaway to blunt a two-goal Adanac run and send New Westminster into the second intermission up 6-3.

Will Malcom chipped in with two timely goals, including the game’s lone power-play marker in the first period and a laser to open second-period scoring. Mitch Jones once again quarterbacked the offense, scoring once and dishing out four assists, while Tyler Pace matched the playmaking on the right side with three helpers. Tye Kurtz added a goal and an assist.

In net, Frank Scigliano started strong and only grew stronger as the game wore on, turning aside critical chances in the third period, especially after the Adanacs pulled Del Bianco for the extra attacker. He finished with 43 saves on 49 shots for an 87.8% save percentage.

Even though Coquitlam outshot New Westminster 22-13 in the third period, the Salmonbellies’ possession game and balanced scoring carried the night. The final tally showed the Adanacs with a narrow 49-46 edge in shots, but the Bellies held all the momentum.

The three stars of the game: First Star Frank Scigliano, Second Star Mitch Jones (1G, 4A), and Third Star Clark Walter of Coquitlam (2G, 2A).

Preview: Potential Series Clincher

Wednesday’s 7:30 p.m. showdown at Poirier Leisure Complex is do-or-die for the Adanacs. New Westminster is averaging 10 goals per game in the postseason with a +16 goal differential, a 48% power play, and a 52% penalty kill. Coquitlam sits at 8.9 goals per game with a slim +1 differential, a 41% power play, and a 67% penalty kill.

There are no official stats for time of possession, but New Westminster’s edge in that category has only grown as the series has progressed, complementing a highly efficient transition game. Both teams, however, continue to showcase some of the best defensive and goaltending performances fans have seen in years.

The road to the Mann Cup is shaping up to be a classic, and Wednesday night promises more drama. Don’t miss it. Tickets are available at the door or at wlaadanacs.com/tickets.

Photos: Bold Photos by Shelly