Getting back home court seemed to be the spark the New Westminster Salmonbellies needed as they raced to a 14-6 win over the Nanaimo Timbermen Thursday night. The Bellies now have 8 points and sit by themselves in third place in the WLA while the Timbermen are tied with Victoria for fourth with 6 points.
The game was tied 2-2 after the first when Colton Clark scored with a second left to go in the period. However, the Bellies came out firing in the second period with four goals in the first 5:50 and never let up. Mitch Jones had the hot stick for the Bellies, scoring two goals and seven assists, earning first-star of the night. Keegan Bal and Jordan McBride both put up 4 goals while Bellies netminder Alexis Buque made 45 saves on 51 shots.
It was a rough night on the other side for the Timbermen, who started their first of five games in the next 10 days. The return of Chase Fraser was a nice sight for Nanaimo fans as Fraser had 2 goals with 14 shots for the Timbermen. Colton Clark did his best for Nanaimo, two assists along with his first period goal, continuing his streak of three points or more in ever Timbermen game this season. Charles Claxton was credited with the loss as he made 13 saves, playing mostly in the second period, while starter Mike DeGirolamo made 23 saves on 31 shots playing primarily in the first and the third.
Nanaimo’s Next Game: 6/22 vs. Maple Ridge 7:00 PM
New Westminster’s Next Game: 6/23 @ Maple Ridge 6:45 PM
