So much promise, so many goals – the New Westminster junior Salmonbellies’ season appeared loaded with both.
Unfortunately, the Delta Islanders were loaded for bear.
The Islanders ended the Salmonbellies season – along with it, the goal of competing in the Minto Cup championship – in a 10-6 defeat Friday at Queen’s Park Arena in their B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League semifinal.
In the span of 6:27, Delta turned a one-goal game into a drubbing, scoring five straight goals to start the third, and taking the best-of-seven series 4-2.
“What happened was, like any seven-game series, it comes down a lot to who made the most of their breaks, and who broke down at the wrong time,” said New West coach Todd Stockdale. “Give (Delta) credit, on the defensive end and netminding they held us, forced us outside too often and limited our chances.”
New West, which led 3-1 early in the second period, was unable to rattle Islander netminder Kevin Orleman’s confidence, as the Ontario native turned aside 40 shots. The Bellies got two-goal games from regular season scoring champion Connor Robinson and Adam Dickson, and singles by Jeremy Bosher and Mitchell Stokes.
With their backs to the wall in Game 5, New West responded from an earlier thrashing by knocking off Delta 15-13 in Ladner. In that contest, the visitors exploded for five goals in the third to stave off elimination, getting a nine-point performance from Bosher, and four goals from Robinson.
For Stockdale, the disappointment in not advancing was rough, but he sees great things for next year, with the team only losing three players to graduation.
“I really like the character of this team. It’s a real good group of guys to build around, so I’m excited (about next year).
“We only lose three players but they are important players to replace – Mitchell Macaulay was a big part of our defence, Adam Dickson led the league with goals, and Johnny Pearson is one of those big bodied players on the leftside who carries the play.
“Outside that, we have a very good foundation to build on, with some young talent coming up. Next year we will be back.”
In the league final, which began on Wednesday, Delta handed the Coquitlam Adanacs their first loss of the season, a 9-6 decision. The best-of-three series continues Sunday at North Delta’s Sungod Arena. A third game, if necessary, goes Aug. 9 in Coquitlam.
