Big Second Period Sends Salmonbellies To WLA Finals

Victoria, BC ~ The New Westminster Salmonbellies outscored the Victoria Shamrocks 6-1 in the second period on Thursday night at the Q Centre in Colwood to power their 12-6 win and best-of-five series win, advancing to the 2025 WLA Finals.

The away side lead 2-1 after twenty minutes on goals from Tyler Pace and Will Malcolm at 4:03 and 11:20 while Victoria's lone offensive output was powered by Marshal King at 7:46.

In the second period, the Salmonbellies smelt blood when a couple of calls went their way midway through the frame, and they pounced. They got tallies at 7:57 (Tye Kurtz), 11:35 (Ty Kurtz), 12:32 (Haiden Dickson), 13:51 (Will Malcolm), 15:46 (Adam Wiedemann) and 16:36 (Mitch Jones) for an offensive barrage that Victoria couldn't seem to answer. The hosts only goal came at 11:39 from Zach Manns. 8-2 Bellies after forty minutes.

The third period began well for the 'Rocks as they got markers at 0:51(Jesse King) and 3:18 (Marshal King) to make it somewhat close, however New West got both of those back in short order. Tye Kurtz scored at 4:25 and than Will Malcolm scored at 6:34 to restore the Salmonbellies six goal lead.

Victoria answered back with two of their own from Kyle Pepper (7:17) and then Jesse King (12:18) but New West continued to find every loose ball and add two more before all was said and done. Those came from Will Malcolm (12:41) and than his brother Anthony Malcolm at 12:47 off the ensuing draw to pretty much sum up the evening for the boys in Green. That 12-6 score line would stand and signal the end of the Shamrocks season with most of 2,208 of "Green Nation" sticking around to thank their beloved team after the final buzzer sounded. 

Tye Kurtz was named first star with three goals and three assists for the visitors while Will Malcolm's four goal game netted him second star. Victoria's Will Johansen took home third star of the game for Victoria.

The Shamrocks would like to thank all of their splendid fans who supported them through their historic 75th anniversary season. They would also like to wish the best of luck to the Salmonbellies as they head to the 2025 WLA Finals after a hard fought and entertaining series.

Until next season, but in the meantime we will continue to "Bleed Green"!