The New Westminster Salmonbellies are in the post season.
The senior A ’Bellies broke the three-team deadlock for the fourth and final playoff spot, knocking off both Langley and Coquitlam to earn the one remaining spot in the Western Lacrosse Association playoff last week.
New West bounced Langley from contention, winning 10-6 over the Thunder at Queen’s Park Arena last Thursday. The ’Bellies then followed up that win with a 9-5 victory in Coquitlam over the Adanacs on Saturday.
“We’re going to the playoffs. How about that?” said Salmonbellies team captain Curtis Hodgson after Saturday’s win.
New West needed much of the opening period to get its motor running, falling behind 2-0 before Jordan McBride kick-started a turnaround in fortunes for the at-times goal-challenged Salmonbellies’ front five.
McBride, the game’s first star and scoring leader with seven points, tallied all three of his goals between the first and second periods, including a thing of beauty on the go-ahead marker set up by Jeff Cornwall on transition.
Hot off the bench and nearly past the left side of the crease, McBride took a lead pass on the run and whipped an over-the-shoulder shot past Adam Shute while he was falling to put New West ahead 3-2.
The Salmonbellie offence responded with four more counters in the second period, including a back-to-back pair by Sean Robinson from just outside the circle to close the period.
New West increased its lead to 8-3 early in the third on a goal by Cliff Smith from the left side.
“I thought tonight was the best offensive effort in the second and third periods (we’ve had),” said Hodgson. “It’s a turning point for this franchise.”
After starting the season 3-8, New Westminster is 5-1 in its last six starts, including season series’ wins over Burnaby, Langley and Coquitlam.
“We had two choices – we could make excuses or buy in to what are our coaches were saying and see what we needed to do. We’re buying in and doing it as a group.”
A big part of the change came from the back end as witnessed by Thursday’s win at home as six of the team’s 10 goals came on the transition, including two each from team fireplug Tyler Crompton and Cornwall. Rookie defender Brendan Ranford also chipped in with a goal and two assists.
“Different guys have been stepping up – it’s our identity and our goalie (Alexis Buque) has been in the zone,” added Hodgson.
New West will finish out the regular season at home against the third-place Maple Ridge Burrards in a preparation for the post season for both teams.
“We want to compete and we’re happy we responded well to the challenges. We’re ready for the next one,” Hodgson added.
