T-Men Go Fishing

Nanaimo has had a tough couple of weeks in the BCJALL as far as opponents are concerned. In the last couple of games the Timbermen have fallen only to Coquitlam and managed to beat Burnaby. Nanaimo kept these games to low scores, figuring out how to crack the top teams both defensively and offensively by moving just as fast, if not faster. Saturday night their previous efforts would finally result in a much deserved win.

The first period started out with an energetic quick pace from both teams; and even with Kyle Belton out of the lineup for New West, they managed to be the first team on the board when Kevin Crowley swept across the crease and put the ball past Drew Dickie.

But Nanaimo would come back with a goal from Ryan Forslund and two from Cody Bremner to give the T-Men a two goal advantage to head into the second.

In the first Nanaimo did a great job to cut the fast break for New West which has proved to be so successful for them. Any time a Salmonbellies player was down the floor there was one or two Timbermen to go up against. Goalie Drew Dickie did a great job of making sure if the Nanaimo defense did make a mistake, it was no problem for him to stop the ball. Starting with Dickie, the T-Mens confidence spread all over the floor and resulted in a preserved lead.

Two New West goals from Max Gallant and Brent Davies would not be enough to counter two from Ryan Dietterle and Russell Thomas. Thomas' goal with six minutes in the second was more than impressive; he took a great lead pass from his goaltender Dickie, and from about twenty feet out looks like he's going to pump fake but he actually takes the shot and beats Ray Hodgekinson top right. Beauty goal.

The third period started with a sense of urgency from New West and had a little less effort from Nanaimo. Just as I was starting to sense a comeback for the 'Bellies with a goal from captain Curtis Manning just 23 seconds in, the Timbermen took advantage of the empty net with Andrew Kelly scoring from centre halfway through the final frame.

Another goal from Cody Bremner and a power play goal from Joel Pelletier would end the period and the game 9-4 for the visiting Timbermen.

At the end of the day Nanaimo came into Queens Park and beat New West at their own game which is not an easy task, especially now since the 'Bellies are at full force. The T-Men had all aspects of the game covered; their basic skills were flawless and they pulled it out when they needed to. Spectacular goaltending from Drew Dickie anchored the teams confidence and made the game thrilling to watch for all three periods.