Shamrocks Knock off 'Bellies in Game Three

(Photo: Gord Rufh Photography)

Victoria, BC ~ The Victoria Shamrocks defeated the New Westminster Salmonbellies 8-4 in game three of the WLA Semi Final on Sunday night from the Q Centre to go up in the series two games to one and move within a win of the WLA Championship series.

Goals have been aplenty in the first two games of this series with the first two games having a combined 48 goals between the two rivals, however tallies were at a premium on Sunday.

The first period was about as stingy on both ends as possible with the Shamrocks out marking the 'Bellies 2-1 after one. New West was the team that opening the scoring at 2:50 however those next two goals for Victoria came from Patrick Dodds at 14:49 and Mathieu Gauthier at 18:37 on the powerplay.

The second period was much of the same however this time it was New West outscoring Victoria 2-1 in the frame. The Salmonbellies found the back of the net at 5:21 and 17:40 of the second to be up 3-2 however Casey Wilson would tie it at 18:17 on the man advantage heading into the intermission 3-3.

The Shamrocks picked a good time to have their best period of the series so far by rattling off four straight goals to start the frame. Those markers coming courtesy of; Mathieu Gauthier (2) at 4:08, Marshal King at 12:05, Cole Pickup at 12:37 and Bennett Smith at 15:28. Smith's goal being an empty netter.

The Salmonbellies scoring less than 30 seconds after Bennett Smith's goal, pulling within 3 with just over four minutes to go in regulation however the 'Rocks locked things down and Marshal King would rifle one home with 31 seconds remaining on the clock to put the game to bed at 8-4.

Victoria now leads the best of five series two games to one and are one victory away from the WLA Final. They will have multiple tries at it (if necessary) with Tuesday from Queen's Park Arena being their first opportunity.

The Langley Thunder lead the Maple Ridge Burrards two games to one on the other side of the bracket with game four going Monday night at 7:30.

Chris Origlieri took home first star of the game with an unbelievable performance between the pipes, making 50 saves on 54 shots.