Tale of the Tape: Salmonbellies vs Shamrocks Semi-Final Game 1

The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most compelling playoff matchups in recent memory as the second-seeded New Westminster Salmonbellies host the third-seeded Victoria Shamrocks in Game 1 of their best-of-five semi-final series tonight (6:30) at Queen’s Park Arena. These two teams have matched up remarkably well throughout the regular season, with New Westminster taking the season series 2-1. The Bellies opened their head-to-head campaign with an action-packed 12–9 win at home, then dropped a tight 6–5 battle in Victoria as the Shamrocks surged late. Most recently, New Westminster clinched a 12–8 road win on July 18, closing out the regular season series with a 29–23 aggregate edge in goals.

This series will likely be defined by razor-thin margins, elite goaltending, and defensive execution. Both rosters have been in flux all season, with marquee players in and out of their lineups. Now, with their stars returning late in the year, the decisive factor may be which team can be the fastest to develop chemistry and establish rhythm.

New Westminster enters the playoffs on a five-game win streak and boast the league’s most dynamic offense.  They head into August averaging 10.5 goals per game and finishing the season with a commanding +47 goal differential. Their power play has been lethal, operating at a league-best 46%, and their lineup is headlined by league scoring champion Mitch Jones. Jones recorded a staggering 88 points in just 17 games, including a league-best 48 assists and an average of 5.2 points per game. Alongside him is league goal-scoring leader Haiden Dickson, whose 43 goals and 76 points (4.2 ppg) give New West a devastating one-two punch. Will Malcom chipped in 43 points on the year, while Tyler Pace and Tye Kurtz averaged 3.9 points per game, adding even more firepower. With depth contributions from Ryan Martel, Logan Schuss, Jacob Ruest, and proven finisher Phil Caputo (2.5 ppg in just 4 games), the Bellies’ forward group is as deep as it is dangerous.

But it’s not just about goals in New Westminster; their defence has been elite. Led by a core of NLL stars that includes Adam Wiedemann, Jeff Cornwall, and Drew Belgrave, the Bellies have arguably assembled the most complete back end in the league. Zac Masson has been a force in both physical play and transition and so has rookie Ben Soenen.  And Jacob Ruest, Tony Malcom and Brandon Goodwin have been highly effective pushing the ball up the floor. Conner Cook has been incredibly consistent in a stay-at-home role, joined by the steady presence of veterans like Brett Mydske, Justin Salt. Jeff Henrick and Jordan Gilles have seen limited games this season, but both are seasoned pros.

Between the pipes, New Westminster will split duties between Frank Scigliano and Justin Geddie. Scigliano returned to the WLA in 2025 with a .827 save percentage and three wins in six starts, while Geddie went 10-1 with a stellar .849 save percentage. Geddie played 651 minutes this season and brings last year’s playoff experience, having nearly carried the Bellies past Victoria last year before suffering an injury. He may be the x-factor again.

On the other side, Victoria enters the series on the heels of a disappointing loss to Coquitlam to end the regular season, but they remain a formidable threat. Averaging 9.2 goals per game and finishing with a +32-goal differential, the Shamrocks feature a balanced and dangerous attack. Zach Manns led the team in points (53 in 16 games), while Andrew Kew — despite missing four games — finished just behind him with 51 points and a higher per-game average at 4.3. That pairing is deadly, especially when matched with Marshall King (3.6 ppg), Clarke Petterson (3.2 ppg), and Patrick Dodds (2.5 ppg). Veteran leader Jesse King adds another layer of danger, even though he returned to the lineup late in the season, while Kyle Pepper has emerged as a surprise offensive contributor in the later part of the season. Young NLL superstar Alex Simmons has just played 4 games in the 2025 season, and hasn’t been a prominent factor, but he has shown that he can score in bunches, especially during the playoffs.

Defensively, the Shamrocks are both physical and experienced, though sometimes undisciplined. Elijah Gash leads the WLA in penalty minutes with 68, and Patrick Kashchalk isn’t far behind with 45.  Both bring grit and snarl but will need to stay out of the box against a lethal Bellies power play. Will Johanson, a key mid-season addition, brings steady play, while veterans like Derek Lloyd and Tyler Burton round out a solid group. Burton will also take the bulk of faceoffs (58.6%), but he’ll be up against either Tyrell Hammer-Jackson - who dominated at the dot all season to lead the league in faceoff percentage at 66.4% - or Ryan Martel who has achieved a 59.8% win rate in recent action.

The Shamrocks penalty kill is so effective at 73% that they can (almost) get away with the extra penalties they have been taking, but the Bellies are not far behind with a 70% PK average.

In goal, Victoria also has a very capable tandem. Cam Dunkerley saw limited action but was efficient, winning five of six starts with a .827 save percentage. Chris Origlieri carried the heavier load, posting a .852 save percentage over 685 minutes. Like New West, goaltending won’t be a weakness.  The difference will be in little things, so watch to see the quality of shots being allowed by defences.  Both teams will work hard to keep these potent offences outside the 24-foot circle.

Game 1 will surely set the tone. New Westminster’s star-powered scoring depth and suffocating defence face off against a very deep and physical Victoria team. Both teams have the tools to win. The question is: who will put it all together first?

We’re about to find out. Faceoff is at 6:30 p.m. at Queen’s Park Arena.

Photo: Bold Photos By Shelly