Another 'Bellies Nail Biter

Two weeks ago, Queen's Park was the scene of the seasons first overtime period in the 'Bellies home opener against the PoCo Saints. New West lost by two goals to Poco, but since that game the Saints are now winless, and the 'Bellies are on a two game win streak.

Burnaby came into Tuesday's game with impressive (but not surprising) victories against Delta and Nanaimo, and were looking forward to facing a heavy challenge.

The Lakers drew first blood on a goal from Chase Williams just a few minutes into the period, but New West would power back with three quick ones of their own. Greg Martinello stepped up for Burnaby and scored two goals in two minutes to play catch-up. Alex Turner scored on the New West power play with just 51 seconds to go in the first, and just as quickly Burnaby scored again- this time it was Joe Vetere from Mike Gilmore with 42 seconds to go.

The 'Bellies had the slim two goal lead to head into the middle frame, but Burnaby came out of the dressing room blazing- more specifically Chase Williams. Williams scored four goals in just four minutes to pump his team up and put Burnaby back in the game.

Kyle Belton unleashed two powerhouse goals on the Burnaby net; and three more goals from Max Gallant, Drew Duncan, and Alex Tuura, gave the 'Bellies another slender 11-10 lead to end the period.

The third period had a bit of a comedic start to it; as soon as the face-off whistle went Matt Parker dropped his gloves with Mike Gilmore in front of him. However, Gilmore made a quick exit to the bench leaving Parker ready and willing- just not able. A few select phrases were exchanged on the benches, and the game continued.

Tie's, hat tricks, and go-ahead goals were the theme of the third. To start, Shawn Dhaliwal evened up the score for Burnaby, and Joe Vetere's power play goal at the thirteen minute mark put them ahead. Enter New West. Kyle Starchuk ties the score at twelve, and a poor giveaway at centre made it easy for Alex Turner to walk in and take the lead.

New West would get into some penalty trouble and Riley Loewen would capitalize for the Lakers, getting his third on the night; Greg Martinello would also get a hat trick and what looked to be the final go-ahead-goal of the night with just two minutes left to go in the game.

Keeping with the theme, Kyle Belton tied the score at 14 with his third of the night; and the hero of the evening goes to Salmonbellies' Drew Duncan who beat Brandon Smith short side, for his third goal of the night with just 33.5 seconds left in the game.

Final from Queen's Park was 15-14 with shots 50-43 in favour of the 'Bellies as well.

Notables from the match-up:
*The Salmonbellies power play has been a force to reckon with so far this season, and a side from two bench minors for too many men Burnaby was quite disciplined, only being called on five infractions all together, and still managing to put the ball in the net.

*For the first game since July 4th 2007 Alex Gajic didn't score a goal- but he still managed an impressive 7 point night, assisting on half of the goals scored by the Lakers. New West's Alex Turner was the same with one goal and six helpers. Good to see these guys sharing the love on the floor, and making themselves even better 'all around' players.

*Last but not least- two New West players recorded hat tricks tonight and three other players with two goal nights. All this and they are still waiting on seven of their starters. Within the next week they should be at "full strength", something all teams in the BCJALL should fear.