'Bellies make statement with big win, trade

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After some early-season turmoil, the New Westminster Salmonbellies may look back on this weekend as the TSN Turning Point of their season. Not only did they hold the high-powered Victoria Shamrocks offence to just 4 goals on 37 shots, they've also added some fresh blood to their lineup as they look to take one of BC's two berths in the Minto Cup.

New West has acquired this year's No. 1 overall pick, Sam La Roue, from the Burnaby Lakers, who currently sit at 4-11, four games out of a playoff spot. It completes a Future Considerations trade made on the weekend that saw New West trade the playing rights of Shane Carey along with Future Considerations.

The move signals how serious the Salmonbellies are about getting back to the big dance. Sometimes all you need is a shot and some good fortune, as the 2013 team found out when they beat the Coquitlam Adanacs in the Minto Cup semifinals before falling to the Whitby Warriors in a thrilling four-game final. In turn, Burnaby also benefits by having La Roue play a vital role in some critical games, gaining some major experience along the way.

For Victoria, you're not going to win too many games scoring four goals. They were also heavily outshot 66-37 along the way, with Keegan Melenychuk not allowing much past him, his performance good enough to be named New West's player of the game. 

The 'Bellies now sit a win behind Victoria, although they have a game in hand. They will play Coquitlam and Poco this week, while Victoria has a weekend doubleheader with Delta and Coquitlam. New West also has a one-game lead on Langley with two games in hand. We could see a Victoria-New West playoff series, which could produce one of the best series in recent memory.