The Victoria Shamrocks overcame a slow start to claim a 12-10 victory over the New Westminster Salmonbellies on Wednesday night. The win leveled the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) semifinal series at one game each.
Playing in front of 1,725 fans at the Q Centre in Colwood, the Shamrocks bounced back from a 5-1 deficit in the second period. They responded with an eight-goal surge that turned the game in their favor. This shift came from solid team scoring, a timely goalie change, and a key fight that energized the team and the crowd.
Victoria needed this win after losing a close Game 1 on the road, 12-11.
“The game seemed to turn on a dime,” said Shamrocks general manager Chris Welch. “We were struggling badly and dug a hole, but a number of factors aligned. Cam [Dunkerley] came in and made some big saves, our power play got going, our offence got going, and we just started firing on all cylinders.”
The comeback started early in the second period. Jesse King and Zach Manns each scored twice, while Kyle Pepper, Andrew Kew, Clarke Petterson, and Patrick Kaschalk added single goals. This 16-minute stretch flipped the momentum and left the Salmonbellies on the back foot going into the third period.
A fight between Elijah Gash and Adam Wiedemann added to the energy. Gash, recently named to the WLA All-Star Team, stood his ground and helped boost his team’s morale.
“Elijah’s been an absolute beast for us all year,” Welch said. “He wasn’t looking for a fight, but he handled himself. He’s a phenomenal player and a better guy off the floor. We’re just thrilled to have him.”
Clarke Petterson led Victoria with two goals and five points. His short-handed goal in the third period was crucial, stopping New Westminster’s push to come back and extending the lead to 12-9.
For New Westminster, Mitch Jones scored four goals and earned seven points. He was named the game’s second star.
Cam Dunkerley, who came in as goalie during the game, earned the third star by stopping 30 of 35 shots.
“We don’t have a number one goalie – we’ve got 1A and 1B,” said Welch. “They support one another, and you can’t ask for more. When one’s had a tough night, the other steps in. That’s what happened last night.”
Victoria’s scoring was balanced, with 13 different players recording points. Petterson, Manns, and King led the way, but key transition plays from Will Johansen and Patrick Kaschalk helped open the game.
“Generally, it’s been by committee,” said Welch. “We need all hands on deck. We’re in a big fight against a very good team.”
The series continues Tuesday, Aug. 5, with Game 3 at Queen’s Park Arena in New Westminster. While it is a tough place to play, Victoria has had success there before.
“It’s a tough place to play,” Welch said. “But we’ve won big games there before. If we bring our A-game, they’ll have a tough time stopping us.”
Game 4 will return to Colwood on Thursday, Aug. 7. If needed, a decisive Game 5 will be played in New Westminster on Aug. 9.
In the other semifinal, Coquitlam leads Maple Ridge 1-0. Game 2 is scheduled for July 31 in Maple Ridge.
