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Junior 'Bellies ready for final showdown

There’s one last obstacle facing the New Westminster junior A Salmonbellies in their pursuit of a Minto Cup berth. But it’s a doozy. The junior ’Bellies launch the B.C.
Cam Garlin
The anticipated showdown between the New Westminster junior Salmonbellies and Coquitlam Adanacs (with New West's Cam Garlin, at right, during an earlier encounter) began Wednesday (past the Record deadline) in the best-of-seven B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League playoff final. The series continues Friday, 7:30 p.m. in Coquitlam.

There’s one last obstacle facing the New Westminster junior A Salmonbellies in their pursuit of a Minto Cup berth.

But it’s a doozy.

The junior ’Bellies launch the B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League final tonight (Wednesday, past the Record’s deadline) against regular season champion Coquitlam Adanacs.

For the past nine seasons, Coquitlam has been the last B.C. team standing when it comes to the national championship tournament, including a pair of Minto Cup titles. Along the way, more years than not it was the ‘Bellies they had to dispose of in the B.C. playoff finals.

New Westminster’s challenge is to turn the table, end the dynasty and scoop up the momentum to represent B.C. at the Alberta-hosted tournament next month.

For power forward Keegan Bell, a big asset in New West’s favour is how close his squad has become over a strong, but not yet-stellar, season.

“Everyone’s tight, everyone’s friends and there’s no bickering. We have the talent – if we need to score a goal we can, anyone on our offensive roster can,” he said following the ’Bellies disposal of Port Coquitlam in three games. “Our defence is super tight, super fast and athletic so they can push the ball up the floor. They are a tough defence to play, definitely the toughest I’ve played against, and I play them in practice. That says a lot.”

Finishing the Saints off three straight was imperative, as it allowed New West with a handful of extra days rest and preparation. Coquitlam did the same in its series against Victoria, but due to the cross-strait series schedule, wasn’t done until this past Saturday.

Both teams will receive a boost with the return of standouts Tre Leclaire and Ryland Rees, who were part of Team Canada’s run to the final at last week’s FIL world field lacrosse championships in Israel. The addition of Leclaire will up the 'Bellies offensive options considerably.

In head-to-head action, New West finished 1-2 against the Adanacs this season, with the 7-5 victory coming in May. Since then they've supplemented their roster with a number of key additions in Nathaniel Kozevnikov, Mack Burns, Patrick Shoemay and league playoff scoring leader Ryan Jones.

Both teams enter with full confidence in their netminding, as the past two top junior A goalies will man the creases. New West’s Erik Kratz is the reigning BCJALL top goalie, while Coquitlam’s Christian Del Bianco collected the same hardware in 2017.

“Kratz is unbelievable,” said Bell. “He makes some saves that you just don’t think are possible, but he makes them. He’s a really solid goaltender. I’m definitely glad I don’t have to shoot on him anymore when it counts. He’s going to win us ball games, that’s for sure.”

Although casual observers, when given a list of facts, may plunk a buck on the Adanacs' chances of retaining their title, but the ’Bellies veteran forward feels it’s time for a new champion. Having the confidence in each other makes it possible, said Bell.

“That’s our biggest thing, to have the mentality to go in with, that we’re the best team in this country. We can win a Minto Cup, we have the guys in the room to do it and we just have to go out and do it.”

Game 2 and 3 of the best-of-seven final go Friday and Sunday in Coquitlam (both 7:30 p.m. starts). Game 4 is slated for Tuesday, 8 p.m. at Queen’s Park.