GAME 7 RECAP: Shamrocks Punch Ticket to Minto

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It came down to literally the last minute of game 7 but it was the Jr. ‘A’ Shamrocks winning 9-8 over the New Westminster Salmonbellies to move onto the league finals - and a berth in the coveted Minto Cup.

Victoria led 2-1 and 6-5 by period on the way to the win. Patrick Dodds and Ben Preston each had a pair of goals for the Rocks. Teioshontathe McComber had a 5-point night on a goal and 4 assists with other goals coming from Brayden Brown, Jackson Boyd, Zach Manns and Denton Macdonald. Boyd’s tally was the winning goal at 13:56 of the third period.  

Both teams were able to mostly stay out of the penalty box, with just six combined minutes being spent in the sin bin. 

New Westminster wouldn't go away though. They came back from being down 5-3 and 7-5, with Gabe Procyk scoring a big shorthanded goal midway through the 3rd to tie the game up at 7. A pair of goals by Ben Preston and Jackson Boyd further pushed the 'Rocks lead to 9-7, and while Erik Maas brought the 'Bellies back within a goal with minutes to go, they couldn't find the elusive equalizer. 

Cameron Dunkerley had another strong game between the pipes making 37 saves, and the defense was outstanding in front of him. Kyle Hebert matched Dunkerley save for save in the loss, making 39 in total. 

The Jr. Shamrocks will now face the Coquitlam Adanacs in the league final with both finalists advancing to the Minto Cup being held August 15-26 at the Langley Events Center. The best-of-3 series begins on Saturday in Coquitlam, with Game 2 going in Victoria on Sunday, and a potentially Game 3 taking place Friday, Aug. 9. 

Photo by Gary Woodburn