With the regular season over it’s time to look at the road to the Mann cup, with defending WLA champion Langley Thunder not making the post season dance we know we will have a new champion, but, who will it be?
Starting with New Westminister Salmonbellies facing off against the first overall Victoria Shamorocks series starting tonight (August 6) at The Q center on the island. The ‘Rocks swept the season series 3-0 outscoring the ‘Bellies 33-23 in those games with Rhys Duch being the top offensive threat all season against New West amassing a total of 14 points in three games, although if Dhane Smith had played in all three games I think it would have been a close point battle (Smith had five points in only one game vs New West) so to say the Bellie’s have their hands full is putting it lightly considering Duch also finished in a tie for first overall in league scoring with fellow teammate Corey Small. Expect Matt Flindell to be the starting goalie with his 11-0-2 record and .683 GAA the ‘Bellies could be in for a long series.
The Shamrocks are not unbeatable. The Bellie’s also have a few weapons themselves in their teams top scorer Jordan McBride who finished ninth respectively in overall league scoring and also earned a solid nine points in only two games against the Rocks this year and fellow teammate Colton Clark who finished second in team scoring with 32 points in 18 games played as well the one dark horse I think that could potentially steal a win (or four) is Alexis Buque and his 7-7 record with a save percentage of .820 he will be looked upon to stand tall against a offensive powerhouse that is Victoria, plus with the ‘Bellies making their first post season appearance in two years you know the team wants to put out a good showing for a die hard fan base with this historic club.
Game times are as follows!
Wed 6/14
7:45 Salmonbellies @ Shamrocks (Q Center)
Fri 8/14
6:00 Shamrocks @ Salmonbellies (Queens Park
Sun 10/14
6:00 Salmonbellies @ Shamrocks (Q Center)
Wed 13/14
7:45 Shamrocks @ Salmonbellies (Queens Park)
Fri 15/14
6:00 Salmonbellies @ Shamrocks (Q Center) ***
Sun 17/14
6:00 Shamrocks @ Salmonbellies (Queens Park) ***
TBA
TBA Salmonbellies @ Shamrocks (Q Center)***
***-If Necessary
