Well, the New Westminster Salmonbellies are now down three games to none in the 2008 Mann Cup series against the Brampton Excelsiors. I was really hoping the Bellies would win tonight. In fact, at one point I thought they would.
But it all went downhill when a faulty 30-second call led to a resetting of the clock after an Excelsior's shot hit a NW player's helmet. And of course, at that point, the Excelsiors scored their second goal of the game. After that, a similarly faulty call was made and Brampton scored again (but this time the Bellies had a guy in the box as well).
Final score: 7-3.
I think the Bellies are getting a bit too frustrated. They've had to contend with bad calls before, and usually come out ahead and win the game, which is always the best revenge.
They're just not doing what they know they can do.
Salmonbellies lose their second game of the season
I was getting so used to the Bellies' winning that I didn't expect them to lose to Brampton in the first game of the Mann Cup challenge. But, after seeing them down 6-1 in the second period, I'm just relieved that they managed to bring the score up to a respectable 8-5. It's early days yet, so I'm not too worried.
I sure wish some TV station out there would broadcast the games to us folks in BC, though. But since no station is covering the series, we fans are following the excellent online coverage by Marksy at Lacrosse-Inside the Game. Check out game two tomorrow at 4:30 PST.
Wow, am I ever relieved that the New Westminster Salmonbellies beat the Coquitlam Adanacs in the second game of the WLA finals. You see, tonight the Adanacs had two extra players on their team: referees Todd Labranche and Keith Williams. Only once before have I seen such blatantly biased refereeing and that wasn't in a lacrosse game, nor was it at this high level of play. If the Salmonbellies had lost, this post would have read like a bad case of sour grapes. Since they won, however, I can call it as I saw it. The reffing stunk.
If you look at the scoresheet, New West spent far more time in the penalty box (24 minutes as opposed to 16 minutes for the As). In actual fact, however, the Bellies' minor infractions usually resulted in penalties while similar plays by the As were considered interference only. What's more, the Adanacs' blatant choking, high sticking (as in a stick audibly contacting a helmet), tripping, and holding went uncalled as was Ray Guze's incessant mouthing off to the refs, especially after each of his three penalties.
I was reminded tonight of the three things I hate the most about the Adanacs. They are (in no particular order): Ray Guze, Andrew McBride, and Peter Veltman (although I'll admit that Veltman was rather mellow tonight).
Way to show support for the Salmonbellies, New West fans. Bellies fans outnumbered Coquitlam fans about 3-1. Not bad for an away game. Mind you, if I lived in Coquitlam, I don't think I'd support the Adanacs. I prefer teams who play hard but play fair. I have yet to see the Adanacs play fair.
The New Westminster Salmonbellies put on a great show tonight at Queen's Park Arena. They were a well-oiled machine. I'm not sure what was wrong with the Adanacs, but the Bellies ran circles around them. Even during the pre-game warm-up, it was obvious which team was in the better position to win. The As looked defeated before the first face-off. And the Bellies' scoring three goals in the first three minutes of play didn't help the Adanacs any either.
The As did manage to score on a power play in the second period. It was too bad. I was hoping the Bellies would get a shut-out.
Final score: 10-1 for the Bellies. Game 2 in the best of 7 is Thursday night in Coquitlam.
Tonight's game against the Maple Ridge Burrards was extremely exciting. Even though I haven't missed many home games, this was my first time to see the Burrards play this season. They played hard and kept the Bellies on their toes. The Bellies were in fine form, too, except for several minutes in the third period when they seemed to lose their concentration.
The highlights of the game were: • watching the remaining three Salmonbellies get penalties for retaliating against a cheap shot by a Burrard (meaning the whole line minus the goalie was off, and four huge Bellies were squished into the penalty box) • seeing Bob Salt smile not that long after we discussed the fact that he never smiles--ever.
The Bellies' next game is Tuesday, when they meet the Victoria Shamrocks in the semi-finals at Queen's Park Arena. Be there. And wear red.
Craig Conn manning the gate at Salmonbellies' game
For those of you who have been wondering about what Craig Conn has been up to since sustaining his devastating knee injury last summer, he was manning the gate at Thursday night's game against the Timbermen. I don't know if he'll be doing that all season, but it was nice to see him out there supporting the Salmonbellies.
To date, the Victoria Shamrocks are in the lead with four wins and no losses, followed by the Salmonbellies with three wins and no losses. Surprisingly, Burnaby is in last place, tied with Nanaimo. It's early days yet, but this year is shaping up to be quite different from last year, when the Burnaby Lakers were near the top all season. What will happen in 2008 is anyone's guess.
Tomorrow, my daughter has a game in a town about 25 km south of here. Not a huge deal, but we'd have to drive there in rush-hour traffic, which means it could take over an hour. Plus we have to be there 45 minutes in advance. But the main reason I don't want to do it is that tomorrow night is the first home game of the season for the Senior Salmonbellies. So, nasty, selfish mom that I am, I've arranged for the mother of another girl on the team to drive her there and back.
With the loss of some major high-scorers, the Bellies will have to rely on tighter defense this season, according to this article. Overall, I think there's going to be some pretty close games this season. Take the recent Salmonbellies vs. Burrards game. While the Bellies won 11-8, the game did go into overtime. The games between the two teams weren't that close last year.
There's a two-page spread in my local paper today on the Senior Salmonbellies. This year's write-ups are filled with little bits of trivia and some are downright funny:
Craig Conn-Who knew he was an avid cricket player? Ian Hawksbee is a Bobby Vinton trivia buff and his left pinky and ring finger are webbed. Kyle Ross's favourite musical instrument is a rotary-valve flugelhorm. Jamie Floris "once lost a bet when he became convinced that Steve Goodwin wore a toupee" Kevin Lunnie has twelve toes.
His more recent book on lacrosse, however, while an interesting read, has quite a few factual errors, more noticeable to me, a Canadian, than they would perhaps be to an American reader.
Take, for example, this comment on page 40: "In a Dominion Day 1874 game, the Brampton Excelsiors, a British Columbia team, won over the Native Six Nations team..." Um, wrong. The Brampton Excelsiors are based in Brampton, Ontario, a couple of time zones east of British Columbia.
And of course, when he refers to "Nemeimo" on page 144, he must certainly mean Nanaimo, home of the Timbermen.
Careless errors like the above can blow a book's credibility. I hate when publishers cut back on fact-checking.
I enjoyed this blog post by someone who has just watched his/her first lacrosse game. By the way, the Buffalo Bandits is Salmonbelly Craig Conn's new home. He's apparently still out from his knee injury of last summer.
I was just surfing the net a bit today and came across Kerry Susheski's bio on the Calgary Roughnecks' website. Notice his worst lacrosse memory: being traded to Langley Thunder. Can't say that I blame him. I wasn't pleased with that decision myself. It was nice to see Susheski in the stands during the Mann Cup semi-finals, though, rooting for the Salmonbellies no doubt. They could have used Susheski's skill, that's for sure.
Well, the NLL is back for 2008 and Junior Salmonbelly goalie Craig Robertson has signed a contract to play for the Colorado Mammoth. Robertson, a stellar goalie, will be playing alongside senior Salmonbelly Nenad Gajic and former 'Belly Rich Catton, most recently of the Coquitlam Adanacs.
Well, it didn't take long for the NLL to get greedy and bureaucratic. While I agree that the league did do a lot to advance minor lacrosse, I think it will also lead to the eventual demise of the semi-pro league. And if I had to choose between the WLA and the NLL, it's WLA all the way.
Here's an interesting thread on Craig Conn's injury and whether or not NLL players should be banned from playing summer ball. I haven't heard anything official about a ban and likely won't. It is, after all, just a chatroom rumour. Still, it's neat getting the perspective of US fans who, sadly, only get to watch NLL games. Of course, I'd like to think that, given the choice between the NLL and the WLA, players like Conn would choose the latter. As far as I'm concerned, summer box lacrosse IS lacrosse.
It's rather interesting that a late-in-the game equipment call decides the outcome of a game. I find it annoying that the results of so many lacrosse games hang perilously on the decisions of refs. I disagree with Adanacs GM Les Wingrove, though, who's reported as saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a penalty like that called in a game of that significance." I guess Les didn't see the semifinal Minto Cup match. To me, that was far more heartbreaking. The Salmonbellies had only one chance to win the semifinal against Six Nations. The Adanacs, on the other hand, had a best-of-seven series. Still, I think there needs to be a bit of an overhaul in lacrosse reffing.
Okay, I confess. I didn't get to the first and second games of the Mann Cup championship. But I went tonight. And at more than a few points during the game, I wished I hadn't. The first two periods were rather humdrum. There wasn't enough back-and-forth action, there were far too many penalties called, and there didn't seem to be many stellar plays. Peterborough Lakers' Scott Evans (Shawn's big brother) was fun to watch, though. He stands out on the floor because of his speed. His style is not unlike his brother's, but with a bit more control, more finesse (based on the one game I've seen, mind you). I wish there had been more players like him out there tonight. Instead we had to witness more childish antics from Adanacs Peter Veltman and Ray Guze.
The whole game wasn't a wash, though. The third period had a few dramatic moments. The teams had four points apiece at the start but there was noticeably more spring in the Lakers' step after the intermission. Halfway through the period, the Lakers scored, taking the lead for the first time in the game. Shortly after (after a bogus interference call against the Lakers), Coquitlam tied it up again. Less than three minutes later, Coquitlam took another point. With just two minutes left in the game, the Lakers scored, bringing the game to a six-all tie. Then, with only a minute left in the game, they scored again. I can't say for sure, but from where I sat, it looked like the Lakers were just toying with the Adanacs for most of the game, then turned it on midway through the third period.
The most ridiculous moves of the game were the fake slipping action by Laker John Grant, the absolutely embarrassing temper tantrum by the Adanacs' head trainer, Bill Randall (I tried to take a picture, but he was jumping around so much that my shots are all blurry), and the missed high-sticking call against the Lakers by Ray Durante, just seconds after made that interference call based on a figment of his imagination. We were stunned that he missed the high sticking. He was looking right at the players, and a stick banging on a helmet makes a fairly audible thud.
Congrats to goalies Pat O'Toole (Lakers) and Chris Levis (Adanacs) for their MVP awards. Thumbs down to Adanacs' president Don Hedges for telling a Lakers fan to f*** off at the end of the game.
So claims Junior Salmonbellies GM Harry Ferguson. And he's right. The previous time these two refs officiated, they called every little thing, to the point that they slowed down the game. Half the calls they made were lost on the fans. So many times, we'd ask each other, "what did they call this time?" In this game however, they did the opposite, until the final four minutes: "'At this level it’s frustrating that found a way for it to decide a game,' said New West head coach Rob Dick. 'They had the whistle put away for most of the game and then at the end they decide to make calls just because we’re up by one rather than let the teams finish.'"
Grant Granger's (Newsleader) summary of Thursday night's game is pretty good. And the more I read about Regy Thorpe, the less I like the guy: "Six Nations head coach Regy Thorpe said they spotted the glove’s deficiency at the start of the tournament and stored the knowledge for the right time. The Arrows had been burned a couple of times this season on similar calls, including one Thorpe said cost them a 22-game undefeated streak."
Here's a nice little piece on the Minto Cup from the Province newspaper. My favourite part: "The New Westminster Salmonbellies won their first cup in 1908 and, according to reports, the Royal City became 'seriously unhinged.'"
Interesting comment by Six Nations Arrows Express Coach
I figured as much. Even the Express's coach thinks they would not have won without their sneaky tactic. Here's Regy Thorpe, as quoted in The Province: "'I hate to do that, but it was our only chance,' Six Nations coach Regy Thorpe said about the illegal-equipment call. 'It's unfortunate [for Robertson], but it's part of the game. Rules are rules.'"
Of course, he doesn't mention the no diving rule that Shawn Evans constantly violates, not to mention the delay-of-game he should have received for faking an injury.
It will be interesting to see how the reffing will be in the final game. I'm sure having TV cameras around will change things. I've seen some pretty bad reffing this lacrosse season.
First off, I have to say that this was the most exciting lacrosse game I've ever seen. It was fast and furious. I sat on the edge of my seat, jumped up and down, participated in impromptu standing ovations, and chanted "New West" in response to the Six Nations fans' drumbeats. Heck, I even taunted the ref a bit.
The Salmonbellies trailed 2-1 at the end of the first period. Right from the start they hadn't taken as many shots as the Six Nations Arrows Express. Kyle Buchanan tied it up in the second period, and when Curtis Manning got a shorthanded goal five minutes later, the direction of the game changed. The Bellies managed to hold the 3-2 lead until the end of the second period.
Midway through the third period, Express took two in a row, which the Bellies didn't answer to until seven minutes later, when they took two as well.
At this point, though, Express's Shawn Evans, who's dived at least three times already without getting called on it, takes another dive and fakes an injury, prompting the refs to give a slashing penalty to Salmonbelly Eric Lewthwaite. Once Lewthwaite is en route to the box, Evans miraculously recovers (insert sarcasm here). And the next thing you know, the refs are checking Craig Robertson's equipment. Robertson gets a two-minute penalty for a split glove and a game misconduct, no doubt for questioning the call. Sean Tessarolo goes into net. With two in the penalty box, the Bellies let a goal slip by. Score: 5-5.
With 29 seconds left in the game, the Six Nations overthrow a pass and the Bellies gain possession and call a time-out. They're unable to score and lose possession with just 17 seconds left in the game. Six Nations then call a time-out and come up with a plan. On the buzzer, Mitch Nanticoke drills one into the net, assisted by Cody Jamieson and Shawn Evans--yes, the same Shawn Evans who got hurt just minutes earlier. Game over--literally.
So, there you have it. Six Nations advance on a technicality. Now, had they called the equipment violation earlier, and not at the same time as Evans' Academy Award-winning performance, I'd have a lot more respect for the team. Because they went about it the way they did, I can only conclude that they were being opportunistic and doing whatever they could to take a win. But, they seem proud of themselves...
As for the Robertson, well, I don't know. I'll have to withhold judgment until I get more details. He did save the Bellies from a serious thrashing, though. The Express had 67 shots on net compared to the Bellies' 35. And I certainly don't blame Tessarolo, either. Had the Bellies taken more shots and placed them better, the game would have had a different outcome.
Well, at least one national lacrosse championship is happening on the wooden floor this year. The Minto Cup is underway. So far, the BC champions, Burnaby Lakers, and the New Westminster Salmonbellies have one win each in round-robin play. They're scheduled to play each other this evening at 7:30. I plan to be there.
The Adanacs are officially the 2007 WLA champions, having beaten the Salmonbellies 8-7 tonight in Coquitlam. The Bellies put up a good fight tonight and their fans appreciated it.
While the entire team played well, I was most impressed by Jordan Hall with two goals and three assists; Cory Melville, with an assist and some mighty fast running; and Ian Hawksbee, with an assist and some great defensive moves.
Annoying-player-of-the-game award goes to Adanacs' Geoff Snider, whom the Adanacs' website ironically refers to as mild-mannered and soft-spoken. Hmmm.
All in all, though, it was a good game. It's too bad the Bellies didn't play like this in the other three games. They'd still be in the running for the Mann Cup. Maybe next year?
Here's a press release regarding Conn and his injury.
Here's an excerpt: “In light of this incident, we are deeply concerned about the lack of restrictions in off-season activities in NLL player contracts. The league needs to work to restrict such activities as playing in summer leagues,” Hamley added. “We wish Craig well in his road to recovery and we know we speak for our fans when we say he will be missed this season.”
New Westminster misses Conn this season too. (And please don't change the rules so that Conn and other NLL players can't play in the Canadian league.)
Things are not looking good for the New Westminster Salmonbellies. Last night's loss of 14-11 was acceptable. They played better than they had been playing and put up a good fight. The final point of the game was a disappointment, though. New West had too many men in the final two minutes of play, which resulted in a penalty shot for the Adanacs. The ball went in, removing any hopes the Bellies may have had about catching up.
Tonight's game, however, saw the Bellies playing poorly again. Final score: 10-6. Defense was pretty much non-existent and offense was weak as well. The team just doesn't seem to have it anymore, which is rather sad. They've fallen apart since Conn was injured. Speaking of Conn, he was there tonight, watching from the sidelines, sporting a Bellies T-shirt and crutches. I wonder how he feels watching the Bellies struggle just to stay in the game.
Those have you who have been attending the playoffs may have noticed the smaller crowds. Some may want to blame it on summer vacations. I doubt that's what it is, though. Children's tickets are overpriced. In the regular season, kids could get season's passes for a mere $20. For the playoffs, however, each game is $11. If a family only has one child, this may be affordable. But New Westminster has a number of four-children families (and a lot of these kids play lacrosse). An evening out for two parents and four kids is a whopping $74--and that's not counting popcorn, drinks, 50-50 tickets, and whatever else people spend money on at games.
Now I could understand it if there happened to be standing room only. But the stands are only about a quarter full. Charge the kids a toonie apiece for admission. Heck, even let them in for free if they come with their parents. Today's youth are tomorrow's players and fans. The Bellies' management should be encouraging them to come out and cheer, not raising the cost of admission to keep them away.
Well, the New Westminster Salmonbellies managed--just barely, mind you--to beat the Nanaimo Timbermen tonight at the Barn. Final score: 11-10. After a stellar first period that included a hat trick by Nenad Gajic (1st star of the game), the Bellies fell apart. Runners stopped running, defenders stopped defending, and shooters shot directly at the goalie.
And speaking of goalies, as much as I appreciate Matt King's talent, I think he's nasty. Tonight he got two penalties. The first was for unsportsmanlike conduct, the second for holding. It was really more of a tackle, though--a childish play by a childish goalie. I'm also annoyed by his habit of constantly knocking the goal. Today it even cost the Bellies, for a goal didn't count because King moved the net again. I've never seen a goalie mess around with the net as much as King. His antics, however, don't discount the fact that he's one of the best goalies, if not the best, in the WLA.
We still don't know who the Bellies will be up against in the WLA finals. Coquitlam is leading Burnaby in the series 3-2.
