A six-goal outburst in the final period gave the New Westminster Salmonbellies their first Western Lacrosse Association win.
Martin Cummings, a third-round pick in 2009, sparked an unanswered six-goal rally to give the Salmonbellies a 10-7 win over the Langley Thunder in the team’s home opener at Queen’s Park Arena last Thursday.
Cummings began the comeback with a bounce shot from in close at the seven-minute mark of the third period. He then scored the eventual game-winner two minutes later on a nice one-timer at the left crease from first star Jordan McBride.
“I feel we were playing well. We had the energy and were fighting hard – getting chances and playing well on defence,” said Cummings. “We just one and got on a run in the third.”
McBride finished off the third-period scoring with a pair of goals to finish with a game-high five points.
Richard Lachlan also figured big in the comeback, recording his goal and all three helpers in the final frame.
With 15 new faces in the lineup from last year, head coach Steve Goodwin was pleased with the outcome.
“It started to come in the third period. … We felt we just needed a break and we’d be back in it,” Goodwin said. “We feel we have the potential for a strong offence down the road. It’s a big step up from junior. But we’re happy to get out of this one.”
New team captain Curtis Hodgson and Colton Clark, with his first WLA goal for the Fishmen, gave the home team a 2-1 lead after the opening period.
But after Eric Lewthwaite’s first of two goals on the night scored unassisted to begin the middle period, things went south for the home team.
Langley replied with four straight counters to take a 5-3 lead, but Matt MacKenzie brought the deficit to within one with his first career goal in the final minute of the period.
Neil Tyacke got the start for New West and was sound when he needed to be, stopping 23 of 48 shots in the final 20 minutes of play.
Cummings, who at 26 finds himself in an unfamiliar role of a veteran, says the new, young players have brought a “new energy” to the squad.
“Everybody is really eager to work with each other, no one is set in their ways,” Cummings said.
This Thursday, New West hosts the Burnaby Lakers in their first game of the season at Queen’s Park. Game time is 7:45 p.m.
