Salmonbellies Squeak Out 2–1 Series Lead With Overtime Win

The Western Lacrosse Association Finals produced another instant classic Saturday night as the New Westminster Salmonbellies edged the Coquitlam Adanacs 14–11 in overtime at Poirier Leisure Complex, taking a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven.

For the first time in these playoffs, Coquitlam turned to someone other than Christian Del Bianco in net. He wasn’t available to play this evening, so the Adanacs handed the reins to Andrew Gallant. Scored on just 30 seconds in—on the very first shot—Gallant could’ve wobbled. Instead, he settled, making 51 saves (78.5%) and, with the help of a suffocating defense, dragged the game to extra time before New Westminster’s offense finally took off.

Early on, both sides traded answers. After Tyler Pace’s opener, Kean Moon quickly responded on the power play. The teams spent the rest of the first counterpunching; Moon and Tye Kurtz each striking again as the frame closed 3–3.

Coquitlam briefly built a two-goal cushion early in the second, but New West’s resilience took over: Will Malcom and Haiden Dickson erased the deficit in 31 seconds, then Mitch Jones dialed up a power-play laser, and Dickson added another to cap a four-goal surge. That swing—from down two to up two—defined regulation, and the Salmonbellies carried an 8–6 lead into the third.

The final period was the only one the Adanacs won, and it showcased the hard-to-kill edge they’ve relied on this season. Andrew Bowman and Brett McIntyre pulled Coquitlam level, then Moon completed his hat trick, and Adam Noakes answered New West’s punches with one of his own. Haiden Dickson pushed New Westminster ahead late, but rookie David Charney found a way to scoop a loose ball and finish under pressure to force overtime with the score 11–11.

It was in (non-sudden death) overtime that the dam finally broke for the Salmonbellies. Kurtz delivered the game-winner with his fourth goal of the evening at 3:18, then threaded helpers on two more to Pace and Dickson, giving New West the only 3-goal margin of the night and sealing the 14-11 win.

Mitch Jones was named 1st Star as he played the role of quiet conductor with 1 goal and 10 assists, unlocking space against Coquitlam’s otherwise smothering team defense. Kurtz was electric with 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points, earning 2nd Star, while Moon took 3rd Star for Coquitlam (3G 3A). Other New West standouts included WIll Malcom (3G, 3A), Tyler Pace (2G, 1A), and, as always, Haiden Dickson, whose 4 goals rallied the team at key moments.

In goal, Frank Scigliano made 45 saves (80.4 %). On draws, Hamer-Jackson did not play, so the Malcom brothers were set to work, combining for a 12–10 performance for New Westminster. For Coquitlam, Tyler Garrison led with 9–6 night. 

Game 4: Tale of the Tape

New Westminster carries a 2–1 series lead, as they head into Monday’s home game, but the A’s have spent 2025 proving they can claw back, so the Bellies still have a lot of work to do.

In playoff scoring, Tye Kurtz leads with 40 points, with Jones right behind at 39. Moon remains Coquitlam’s most dominant scorer with 32, but the top five are rounded out by Bellies Will Malcom (25) and Haiden Dickson (23). In the goal race, Jones has 15, Dickson and Moon 13 each, Kurtz 12, and Malcom 11.

Slowly, the trends are tilting toward New West. The Salmonbellies’ power play is functioning at 48% while their penalty kill sits at 50%. They’re averaging 10.3 goals per game and have a +14 differential in the 2025 playoffs. Coquitlam counters with 9.3 goals per game, a +3 differential, a 42% power play, and a very effective penalty kill at 68%.

Game 4 is Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Queen’s Park Arena. With both teams trading momentum and star moments, expect another memorable night.

Tickets here! 

Photos: Bold Photos By Shelly