Victoria Sports Online

The Victoria Shamrocks lead in the WLA standings had been reduced to just two points following two straight loses to Langley and New Westminster over the past two weeks.

Following a close 12-10 loss to Langley last week, Victoria hoped to return to the winning column this past Thursday as they traveled to New Westminster to take on the Salmonbellies.

Although Victoria was 2-0 against New West this season, Thursday's game proved to be a reality check, as the Shamrocks saw themselves trailing 6-2 after one period and could only muster four goals the rest of the way the Salmonbellies took the game 13-6. Rhys Duch and Ian Llord were the only multiple scorers for the Rocks with two apiece. Nick Patterson started the game for Victoria but was ultimately replaced by Aaron Bold when the score became out of reach. Patterson dropped to 8-2 on season but the loss could hardly be blamed on him, as Victoria's usually solid offense came up flat with only six goals and 38 shots.

The Shamrocks will now look to put this loss behind them as the team returns to Victoria to play final two home games of the regular season against Burnaby and Coquitlam.

Despite their recent woes Victoria is still in first place in the WLA standings, as their 24 points is two ahead than New West and seven in front of Langley. If the regular season was to end today, Victoria would take on Coquitlam in the first round of the WLA playoffs.