Salmonbellies Hand Lakers First Loss

Burnaby hasn’t lost in the regular season since 2005, but tonight the Minto Cup hosts, and hopefuls, broke the streak.

Burnaby got on the board first when Jamie Lincoln fed Stephan Leblanc in the first play of the game. Although the Lakers were dominant in both set plays and recovering loose balls, New West managed to get up before the period ended.

Jordan McBride scored twice for the Bellies in the last minute and a half of the period; most notable was the second goal where he showed unbelievable patience to go top shelf over Adam Meaks.

Both teams scored back and forth in the second. Just a couple of minutes in New West captain Curtis Manning went in solo; Lakers runner Alex Gajic answered back with a beauty over the shoulder shot.

After several quick chances, Alex Turner got his own rebound, circled the Burnaby net, and made it count. Again, Gajic scored for the Lakers, and this time it was Max Paul who put one in from the crease.

You could sense the confidence in the crowd as the 'Bellies were up 5-3 at then end of the second, with shots even at 26 a piece.

I personally thought the third would start with more intensity, but the Bellies protected their lead and kept it together defensively.

Five minutes in, Curtis Manning got called for holding; and managed to come off the penalty and assist another New West goal from Max Gallant.

Burnaby killed their high stick call by gaining possession right away and holding the ball for the majority of the penalty.

Frustration built for the Lakers; Stephan Leblanc came off the bench and absolutely levelled James Poelzer. Jamie Lincoln scooped up the loose ball and fed it back to Leblanc for Burnaby’s final goal of the game.

With 22 seconds left in the game Max Gallant decided one more goal wouldn’t go a-miss for the home crowd and shovelled in a great pass from Jordan McBride. This goal led to a treat for me!

I love the physical aspects of Lacrosse, and I really appreciate a good fight… or two… or three in this case!

Laker Brock Armour and NW captain Curtis Manning started it all; then Pete McFetridge and Richard Singer decided they had to settle something as well.

The cherry on top for me, was when both goalies- Craig Robertson for NW and Adam Meakes for Burnaby, threw off the gear and had a go as well. This was particularly interesting, since Robertson is 240lbs and Meaks is 170 at best. I enjoyed all three fights to say the least!

All players involved received 5 minutes and a game misconduct, and the game ended 7-4 in favour of the Salmonbellies.