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| Close but no Cigar |
| June 19, 2010 |
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The Coquitlam Adanacs ran away with the 2009 season in the BCJALL going 20-1 and eventually becoming BC champs; despite the difference in the standings, it was the Delta Islanders who managed the unthinkable and became the only team to topple the A’s last season. On that same floor in Ladner just over a year later, this time the undefeated Salmonbellies were coming to town and the Islanders were hoping for an upset of the same variety.
Right from the opening faceoff there was an obvious tension on the floor, but if the Islanders were going to make this a close game then staying out of the penalty box would be crucial. Only one penalty between both teams would be called in the period and even though it was against Delta, they killed it off nicely. Rounding out the first twenty minutes of the game and up by one goal, the ‘Bellies defense jumped up on the rush as Matt MacGrotty rang the post with just forty seconds left in the first but a one goal lead was all they could muster.
After a disallowed goal on a Daniel McQuade shot just a minute into the second period, it was MacGrotty again driving to the net and this time there was no mistake as he threw the ball past Blake Duncan unassisted. Following suit just twenty seconds later this time it was McQuade who would make good on his second opportunity and the game appeared to be opening up for the Salmonbellies. However just as quickly as their momentum came it swayed in favour of the Islanders; Mike Mallory took advantage of a holding penalty and scored on the power play, and two regular strength goals from Logan Schuss would put them right back into the game tied with the ‘Bellies at 4 goals. There were penalties and chances galore for both sides towards the end of the period but the tie would stand firm and with only a period left to play it was anyone’s game.
Killing a five minute roughing penalty to end the second must have gave the ‘Bellies the confidence they needed for the last twenty minutes, and the game winning goal would come on the only power play of the period as Tyler Digby scored from his usual PP spot at the top left side of the shooting circle. Whether it was mounting pressure with the time ticking down or whatever else, after Digby’s goal the Delta offense seemed to scramble when they had their opportunities in the New West end and didn’t generate the quality chances they did in the previous periods. Final score from Ladner was just out of reach for the Islanders as they fell 6-4 at the hands of the still undefeated Salmonbellies. There was no shortage of pushing and shoving at the final whistle, everyone on the floor had a partner and everyone on the bench managed to find a willing associate on the other. No penalties were given and after a final discrepancy about someone’s stick going to the wrong bench, the two teams and their coaches finally cleared the floor with more leftover tension than family court.
Considering how close the first two periods were, the Islanders will not be happy with this result knowing they made the ‘Bellies work hard for their result. Shots on goal may have made a difference for Delta who registered just ten shots in both the first and third periods; but it was goaltending that played a huge factor in tonight’s game. One can’t help but wonder what the score would have been if Blake Duncan wasn’t seeing the ball so well for the Islanders. Seeing a total of 48 shots from the Salmonbellies, Duncan had great positioning and remained calm even when New West started to take control of the game. At the other end of the floor Brandon Mulligan wasn’t tested as much as Duncan, but played much of the same game being in the right place at the right time when needed, and didn’t let a goal past him for the last thirty three minutes of the game.
Submitted by Jen Mutas
League Reporter
jenmutas@hotmail.com |
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