Larson Sundown's marker with 50 seconds left in the second period proved to be the winner, as the New Westminster Salmonbellies handed the Coquitlam Adanacs a 6-2 setback in Game 3 of their best-of-seven B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League final.
Sundown's goal was just the fifth goal of the game in what was a goaltending duel. The 'Bellies' Erik Kratz delivered a standout performance by turning back 42 shots. At the other end, Christian Del Bianco also faced 44 shots, stopping 38 of them.
The series, which Coquitlam leads 2-1, continues on Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Queen's Park Arena. Game 5 will be played Monday, 7:30 p.m. in Coquitlam.
A tense, defensive battle dominated the first 18 minutes, as neither team found the back of the net. The Adanacs opened the scoring with just 1:12 left in the frame on a tally from Tommy Scanlan. Nick Chaykowsky drew New West even with just four seconds before the buzzer sounded, setting the stage for a fiery middle period.
Thomas Semple restored the Adanacs' lead 5:24 into the frame, but Brine Rice tied it on the powerplay at 12:55. Sundown's goal followed.
In the third period, Jeremy Bosher, Chaykowsky and Rice built a solid lead, while Kratz held Coquitlam shooters at bay.
Picking up three assists was Connor Robertson.
It was only the second loss to a B.C. team for Coquitlam since the start of the 2016 season.
