Shamrocks Hold Off Salmonbellies for 5th Straight win

June 29th, 2019
New Westminster, BC

The Victoria Shamrocks used a balanced attack and some stifling defence to hold off the New Westminster Salmonbellies by a score of 9-7 for their 5th straight win on Saturday night at Queens Park Arena.

The Shamrocks attack was buoyed by a solid second period as they outscored the Salmonbellies 4-1 in the 2nd period to take an 8-4 lead after 40 minutes.  New Westminster pushed hard in the 3rd and pulled to within 2 late, however that was a close as they could get. 

With the win, the Shamrocks leapfrog New West in the standings and improve to 6-4-0 on the season.  With the loss, the Salmonbellies fall to 5-5-0. 

After Cody Hagedorn got the win on Friday night, the Shamrocks turned to Pete Dubenski in goal on Saturday and he didn't disappoint as he earned 2nd-star honors making 35 saves for the win. 

Offensively, the Shamrocks attack was supported with short-handed markers from the back end as both Graeme Hossack and Steve Priolo found the back of the net on the same 2nd period penalty kill.  Other Shamrocks goal scorers included Cole Pickup with a pair, while Adrian Sorichetti, Josh Fagan, Keegan Bell, Chris Wardle, and Larson Sundown each had singles. 

Austin Shanks netted 3 goals for the Salmonbellies and moved into a tie for the WLA goal-scoring lead at 23 with Robert Church of Burnaby. Alexis Buque took the loss in goal for New Westminster as he stopped 38 of 47 Shamrocks shots. 

For the time being, the Shamrocks have battled their way back to share of 2nd place in the WLA standing.  The 12 points have them even with Maple Ridge, however, the Shamrocks have played one fewer games.

Up next for the Shamrocks is another key Island battle with the Nanaimo Timbermen on Thursday night at Frank Crane Arena. 

Game Notes:

Shamrocks Powerplay: 1 for 6
Shamrocks Penalty Kill: 1 for 2