Alexis Buque made his first New Westminster Salmonbellie start a memorable one.
The first-year goaltender from Whitby, Ont. stopped 13 of 45 total shots in the third period to help lead the senior A ’Bellies to an 11-8 win over the Burrards in Maple Ridge on Sunday.
On Thursday, Buque got his first feel of Western association lacrosse when he was brought in relief of starter Neil Tyacke late in the second period of what turned out to be a 12-11 loss in overtime to the visiting Burnaby Lakers.
Trailing 10-6 at the time, Buque gave New West a lift, allowing just one goal for the remainder of regulation and time for the ’Bellie shooters to find the range on former teammate Tyler Richards in the Burnaby cage.
Eric Lewthwaite sent the game into extra time with a goal in the final minute, but ex-Salmonbellie junior Tyler Digby scored the game-winning goal in OT with a cut to the middle and a sure finish.
In Maple Ridge, transition player Jeff Cornwall had a highlight night, scoring four times, including three straight counters in the final period that broke open an 8-8 stalemate after two periods.
Richard Lachlan and Logan Schuss both recorded four-point games for New West.
The win elevated the Salmonbellies into a three-way tie for second place with Maple Ridge and the 2-0 Burnaby Lakers.
“I’m happy with the compete level. The energy and attitude is positive,” said first-year Salmonbellie captain Curtis Hodgson. “For me to be captain is a huge honour. I’m a teacher and like to mentor, and be a part of the culture in this room. It’s our 125th year. There is so much pride and tradition, … I just want to do the things I know to bring success to this team.”
New West hosts Victoria on Thursday at 7:45 p.m.
