It all comes down to one game.
The New Westminster Salmonbellies beat the Langley Thunder in Game 6 in the Western Lacrosse Association’s Sr. A finals, tying the series 3-3 and forcing a seventh and deciding game in the series.
After losing 6-4 to the Thunder at Queen’s Park Arena on Thursday night, the Salmonbellies headed out to the Langley Events Centre Saturday night, looking to keep their 2023 season – and their quest for a 25th Mann Cup – alive.
New West took an early lead, putting three past Langley goalie Frank Scigliano in the opening period. New West goalie Zach Higgins stopped all 17 of Langley’s shots in the first.
The Salmonbellies struck early in the second, putting one past Scigliano 54 seconds into the period. In the second stanza, Langley outscored New West four goals to two.
With 14 seconds left in the middle frame, Langley took a timeout and pulled its goalie an attempt to tie the game. A big stop by Higgins in the dying seconds of the second sent the teams to their dressing rooms with the Bellies leading 5-4.
In the third, New West outscored Langley four goals to two.
But the game was certainty no was slam dunk for the Bellies.
Langley had a number of great scoring chances, with Higgins making some big saves. Knowing Langley’s ability to put goals in the net, Bellies fans began cheerer a little louder late in the third.
Higgins, who stopped 52 of 58 shots in New West’s net, was the game’s first star, and Bellies captain Mitch Jones was the second star. The Thunder’s Curtis Dickson was the third star.
Many lacrosse pundits predicted this year’s Western Lacrosse Association final could go to seven games, based on their regular-season record.
Through the regular season, New West and Langley battled for the top spot in the league, with the Salmonbellies pulling ahead at the end of the season to take a two-point lead – and thus earning home-floor advantage for the playoffs. In regular season play, Langley won the first two games against New West and the Bellies won the third and final matchup.
Game 7 will be played at Queen’s Park Arena on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. With the Mann Cup being held in the West this year, the winner of Tuesday’s game will host the Mann Cup and play the Six Nations Chiefs, this year’s Major Series Lacrosse champion.
