Tale of the Tape: Bellies Look to Rebound in Week 7

After a tough Week 6 that saw the Salmonbellies drop back-to-back games for the first time this season, Week 7 presents a crucial opportunity to bounce back and climb back to the top of the ultra-competitive WLA standings. At 8-2 with 16 points, the Salmonbellies sit just one point out of first place, but the margin for error is shrinking and the schedule is only getting tougher.

Thursday, July 3 - 7:30: Home Showdown vs Maple Ridge Burrards

The redemption arc begins Thursday night at Queen’s Park Arena as the Bellies host the Maple Ridge Burrards, who sit at 3-5-2 with 8 points, tied for fourth with the Langley Thunder. You can be sure Maple Ridge will be fighting to claim that playoff spot outright.

The Burrards are led offensively by a potent trio. Marcus Klarich, a breakout star with the Vancouver Warriors, leads the entire league with 46 points. Garrett Winter is enjoying a strong season with 12 goals and 18 assists, while Ryan Jones, younger brother of Mitch Jones, leads the WLA with 25 assists.

Supporting the attack is Rhys Porteous with 8 goals and 15 assists in 10 games, and Dylan McIntosh, another Vancouver Warrior, who has made a big impact in just four appearances with 10 goals and 5 assists. NLL veterans Riley Loewen, Brayden Laity, and Anthony Kalinich round out a roster loaded with talent.

Between the pipes, Brandon Humphrey has kept the Burrards in games with a 9.25 GAA and .814 save percentage. The team is averaging 8.9 goals per game, has a goal differential of -4, and rides into this contest on a two-game win streak. Their special teams may be exploitable, with a 33 percent power play and just 60 percent penalty kill.

Saturday, July 5 - 7:00: Rivalry Renewed in Coquitlam

The intensity ramps up Saturday as the Bellies travel to Poirier Arena for a rematch with the Coquitlam Adanacs. Just one week ago, the Bellies fell on a heartbreaking buzzer-beater by Jalen Chaster, who continues to amass points with 14 goals and 8 assists (despite still being listed as a defender).

The Adanacs play an if-you-see-it-take-it style that spreads the scoring wealth. Adam Noakes leads the way with 10 goals and 24 assists, followed by James Rahe with 11 goals and 22 assists, Kean Moon with 13 goals and 16 assists, and Brett McIntyre with 9 goals and 17 assists.

In goal, Christian Del Bianco has been Coquitlam’s game-changer. He owns a 6-2-1 record, an elite 7.42 GAA, and an 84.6 save percentage, second-best in the league behind Christopher Origlieri of Victoria. Coquitlam is surging, matching the Bellies’ + 24 goal differential while averaging 9.2 goals per game, with a 27 percent power play and 66 percent penalty kill.

Bellies’ Firepower Still Among League’s Best

Despite the recent setbacks, the Bellies remain one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the WLA. Mitch Jones is averaging 5.1 points per game, leading the team with 22 goals and 24 assists. Haiden Dickson has been a relentless right-side threat with a league-best 24 goals, plus 17 assists.

Tyler Pace has added 10 goals and 23 assists, while Will Malcom (11G, 9A) and Ryan Martel (6G, 10A) have been consistent contributors. Logan Schuss has quietly notched 15 points in his six games, while Jacob Ruest continues to turn heads with 6 goals and 8 assists while playing both ends of the floor.

Between the pipes, Justin Geddie remains one of the WLA’s top netminders. His 7-1 record, 8.12 GAA, and 83.7 percent save percentage speak for themselves. He came within seconds of stealing a win in Victoria last week. Frank Scigliano also looked sharp in his debut with an 81.8 save percentage, and both goalies are likely to split the action again this week.

The Bellies continue to lead the league in power play efficiency at 47 percent, and their penalty kill remains a strong 70 percent. They’re also averaging a league-best 10.5 goals per game.

The Race for First Tightens

Two wins this week, coupled with some help, could see the Salmonbellies back in first place. The Shamrocks currently hold top spot but face the Timbermen and Lakers this week, two teams struggling for traction.

Week 7 could be pivotal in the Bellies’ regular season. With critical matchups against two fast-climbing teams, the pressure is on, but so is the opportunity. Expect fireworks, grit, and plenty of emotion.

There have been some intense and physical showdowns between New West and the Burrards in recent years, and the rivalry with the Adanacs dates back nearly a century. There’s nothing a Salmonbellie hates more than losing to either of these teams, so expect hard-nosed, passionate lacrosse in Week 7.