Salmonbellies knock Victoria from undefeated ranks
The New Westminster Salmonbellies got back on the winning track in spectacular fashion by downing the Victoria Shamrocks 14-12 in overtime at Queen's Park Arena on Thursday.
The win halted a three-game losing streak for New West (4-3), which began the season with a three-game winning streak. The result was also the first defeat for Victoria (5-1).
The Salmonbellies took control early with a 5-3 lead after one period. But the Shamrocks opened the second with four consecutive goals before New West answered with three straight before the end of the second and two more to start the third.
But the 10-7 lead the Salmonbellies had at that point evaporated with the Shamrocks scoring three goals, including two on the powerplay, in a span of 3:16 with less than six minutes remaining in regulation.
Kevin Crowley scored twice in overtime for the Salmonbellies, one shorthanded and the other on the power play, but New West needed goals by Ilija Gajic and Curtis Hodgson in the final minute of OT to secure the win.
Gajic had a huge game capping an eight-point performance, three goals and five assists, with the winner. Jordan McBride had two goals and three assists. Cumming and Hodgson also scored twice with singles going to Tyler Crompton, Sean Robinson and Jeff Zywicki.
Tyler Richards made 41 saves in the New West net as the Salmonbellies shaded the Shamrocks on the shot clock 53-52.
The ’Bellies have a busy week ahead. They will be in Nanaimo (2-3-1) on Sunday before playing host to the Burnaby Lakers (3-2-2) on Thursday (7:45 p.m.) and then traveling to Victoria for a rematch on Friday.
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