GAME 7 PREVIEW: Victoria, New West Battle for Minto

GAME 7 - SERIES TIED 3-3

WEDNESDAY - 5:00 PM - THE Q CENTRE

GAME 1 - NW 9 VIC 8 (2 OT) 

GAME 2 - VIC 10 NW 7

GAME 3 - VIC 15 - NW 14

GAME 4 - NW 13 VIC 11

GAME 5 - VIC 10 NW 4

GAME 6 - NW 5 VIC 3

This series has featured almost everything but a Game 7, so it only makes sense that the Victoria Shamrocks and New Westminster Salmonbellies will go the distance in order to find out who will be the second team to represent BC in next month's Minto Cup. 

The 'Bellies were able to stave off elimination in Game 6 with a stellar defensive performance and some timely goals, defeating the Shamrocks 5-3 to force the series-deciding contest. The D and goalie Kyle Hebert did an outstanding job keeping the Shamrocks sharp shooters - Zach Manns and Teioshantathe McComber among them - to just three goals on 53 shots.

Despite that, the Victoria Shamrocks shouldn't feel too defeated about the Game 6 loss. They spent almost the entirety of the middle frame on a parade to the penalty box, but Cam Dunkerley put up a performance for the ages, turning aside all 26 shots he faced in that period. Had Victoria been able to find a bit of momentum, there is a good chance they would've wound up winning that game.

As we mentioned in our preview of Game 5, the two teams have been virtually inseparable, and the last two games haven't given anyone a reason to believe otherwise. Expect a tight-checking game with discipline being stressed by both benches. They will still want to keep the physicality factor ramped up without paying for it on the Penalty Kill.

Dunkerley and Hebert can be expected to get the nods in goal and they will play a big role in who takes this series. Both 'tenders stopped more than 90 percent of the shots faced in the pivotal Game 6 and both will need to be up around that threshold again for this one.

Photo by Gary Woodburn