Tonight in the WLA the Coquitlam Adanacs(1-4) host the New Westminster Salmonbellies (3-2). The Adanacs are coming off a complete domination of the Nanaimo Timbermen a game they won 18-7. The Salmonbellies in their last game ended Maple Ridge’s four game winning streak with 10-8 victory.
In their last meeting the Salmonbellies offense exploded as the Salmon Bellies defeated Coquitlam 14-6. Expect Coquitlam to be ready to give the Salmon Bellies more of a fight this time around.
The Adanacs in order to win this game need to get back to doing what they do best and that is playing a hard nose tight defensive game. If the Adanacs can impose their will and slow the pace of this game down they will win as New Westminster’s offense has been mediocre at best this season but they have found ways to put the ball in the net. The Adanacs need to punish the Salmon Bellies for every shot. On offense Dane Dobbie and Jesse Guerin will need to carry the load and score some early goals to make the Salmonbellies work from behind.
The Salmonbellies need to repeat what they did in their last meeting against Coquitlam which was spreading the ball around and getting multiple players in on the scoring. In their last meeting nine different Salmon Bellies players found the back of the net. If the Salmon Bellies can spread the ball around they can break down Coquitlam’s defense and eventually find open holes. Jordan McBride will be the player to watch for the Salmonbellies as he has been powering the offense this year along with fellow forward Bal Keegan. The Salmonbellies need to stop Coquitlam from turning this into a defensive affair and play an up tempo game.
In the end expect the Salmonbellies to win a close one as they seem to have Coquitlam’s number. Coquitlam will put up a fight but they really need Nick Rose back who has been out due to injury.
