MANN CUP: Thompson's winner gives Chiefs a 3-0 straglehold
Photo by Darryl Smart
Lyle Thompson scored the winner with five and a half minutes to go in regulation time to give the Six Nations Chiefs an 8-7 win over the New Westminster Salmonbellies Monday at Queen's Park Arena.
The Chiefs now lead the best-of-seven Mann Cup championship series 3-0.
Eric Fannell helped give the Chiefs a huge start, scoring two goals in the first five minutes of the game. Randy Staats added to the lead before Will Malcolm broke the seal for the Salmonbellies. But Dhane Smith and Ben McIntosh increased the lead to four to close out the frame.
The Salmonbellies battled back in the second period, with Ilija Gajic, Malcolm, Jeff Cornwall, Keagan Bal, Kevin Crowley, and Mitch Jones giving the QPA faithful a chance to erupt. Thompson and Staats responded for the Chiefs, setting up Thompson's winner, earning himself the team's Player of the Game.
It was Doug Jamieson's turn to guard the Chiefs' pipes, and was at times spectacular stopping 42 shots. Zach Higgins was also incredible in goal for the Salmonbellies, and was named his team's Player of the Game.
Game 4 of the series is Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.