The New Westminster Salmonbellies geared up for the July 4 fireworks, which could ultimately decide first place in the B.C. Junior Lacrosse League.
The junior A Salmonbellies defeated the doormat Nanaimo Islanders 11-6 on Saturday, setting up a crucial three-game blitz against the league's top clubs, including Delta tonight (Wednesday) and the first-place Adanacs in Coquitlam on Friday.
Team captain Brandon Goodwin got things going early, potting the game's first two goals in the opening period, and then contributing his third point of the game with an assist in the middle period on a power play.
Kyle Dobbie led all scorers with a five-point outing, including four goals.
Drew House also garnered five points for the junior 'Bellies, tallying four helpers in a six-goal splurge in the opening nine minutes of the final frame.
Keegan Bal scored a pair of back-to-back goals in the third period, including the eventual game-winner in the opening minute of the stanza.
Frankie Scigliano registered the win in goal for New West, stopping 31 Nanaimo shots.
New West's first-place aspirations will be settled this week, beginning with Tuesday's home tilt versus Port Coquitlam (played after Record deadlines).
The junior 'Bellies then take on the third-place Islanders in Delta on Wednesday, before taking on the league-leading A's at the Coquitlam Sports Centre on July 6.
Game time is 8 p.m. in Delta and 7: 30 p.m. in Coquitlam.
Trade talk
On June 26, New Westminster picked up Quinn Smith from Nanaimo for future considerations.
