The New Westminster Salmonbellies turn 125 this season, but it won’t be a happy anniversary if the team misses the playoffs for a third straight season.
The senior A Salmonbellies have their work cut out for themselves this season to get back to those not-so-long-ago glory days of three consecutive Mann Cup appearances after two missed playoffs in 2012 and ’13.
Last season, New West was one of the lowest scoring teams in the seven-team Western Lacrosse Association while also sporting the worst road record in the league.
The ’Bellies special teams were among the worst in the league, producing just 27 goals on the power play – the lowest in the WLA last season.
The team’s one bright spot was allowing a league-low three goals while shorthanded.
But it’s not all statistical doom and gloom, the reality is New West will also start the season without five of last year’s top-10 point-getters.
Tom Johnson was released and Kevin Crowley was unable to commit to a minimum 12 games and so won’t be back.
Ilija and Alex Gajic were both traded to Burnaby in the off season for Colton Clark. Older brother Nenad Gajic is working an afternoon shift with the City of Burnaby and likely won’t be available this summer.
Tyler Richards also went over to the Lakers in a trade.
It all leaves a lot more holes in a Salmonbellie lineup that had trouble filling most of them last season.
But second-year head coach Steve Goodwin is far from waving the white flag.
“We had to make some changes,” said Goodwin. “We feel we have a good blend of veterans and newcomers.”
Jordan McBride, who led the team in scoring last year with 31 goals and 63 points, will be looked upon to carry a load of ammunition again this year.
The ’Bellies must also hope they can get a maximum commitment in games and output from pro field lacrosse star Logan Schuss and a second season of success from sophomore Keegan Bal.
New West finally revealed its well-kept plan with the recent acquisition of two-time Minto Cup goalie Alexis Buque, but that addition was also tempered with the retirement of defenders Wade Dewolff and Kevin Lunnie.
It could put even more of a spotlight than necessary on the expectations for incoming draftees Reid Reinholdt, Sean Lundstrom and Brendan Ranford, who is currently enjoying a playoff run to the Western conference final with the Texas Stars in the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup.
“What I want to do is I want us to be fast and aggressive,” said Goodwin. “We will take risks with a young team, but that’s what we’re going to do. We’re looking to speed up the game.”
Not necessarily an easy task after the first two league games to date produced no team scoring in double digits.
Queen’s Park fans will be happy to hear that team sparkplug Tyler Crompton will be back this season.
“We expect to win. … We just have to gel,” Goodwin said.
The Salmonbellies open at home against the Langley Thunder at Queen’s Park Arena on Thursday. Game time is 7:45 p.m.
