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Down 2-0 in the best of seven Mann Cup championships out East, the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) New Westminster Salmonbellies aren’t ready to go home just yet. In fact, over the weekend they were welcomed into a new home.

“We had a team BBQ Sunday at Salmonbellie Alumni Fred Greenwood’s, who played for the Salmonbellies in early 70’s - after he won five Minto cups with Oshawa Green Gaels in the 60’s,” said New West GM Dan Richardson.

The Greenwoods, who live about an hour north of Brampton, hosted the entire team, players, coaches, managers, and support staff - 35 in all. It was a welcome change for New West has been living out of hotel rooms in Ontario since Wednesday of last week.

“The players were very thankful for their Alumni member to host such a big group and enjoyed the home cooking,” added Richardson.

Monday the ‘Bellies are right back at, however, and they to find a way to win. After cruising through the West with a 25-1 record, the ‘Bellies have dropped their first two games back East against the Major Series League (MSL) champion Brampton Excelsiors.

Brampton won Game 2 by a 6-5 score, after opening the series with an 8-5 victory on Friday.

With a line up that is loaded with National Lacrosse League (NLL) players, including ‘08 All-stars Dan Dawson, Colin Doyle, Brodie Merrill, and Anthony Cosmo, Brampton was favored from the start.

And with contributions from everyone in their line-up from playoff scoring leader Blaine Manning to captain Dan Teat, who’s scored twice in both Mann Cup games, Brampton is showing they have all the makings to win the coveted trophy.

But this series is far from over. New West out-shot Brampton last Saturday, and that should make for an extremely intense battle tonight in what could very well be the most important game of this series. The outcome will either give New West new life, or allow the Excelsiors to take a 3-0 strangle hold on the best of seven.

“New West is a young, fast and disciplined team that keeps coming at us and we know that they aren’t going to go away anytime soon,” added Brampton coach Troy Cordingley.

“We obviously know how critical Game 3 is and we believe we need to continue playing smart lacrosse, and to continue to do the things that have made us successful so far.”

A huge blow to the ‘Bellies has been the loss of their captain Nenad Gajic, who has missed the first two games and is still doubtful for Game 3. Youngsters Ilija Gajic, Cliff Smith, Jordan McBride, Jamie Floris and Jordan Hall continue to lead the ‘Bellies offensively, but they are struggling to score.

Cosmo has stopped over 87% of the shots he’s faced. For the Bellies, rookie Tyler Richards is expected to get the start tonight as New West has alternated Richards and Matt Roik throughout the playoffs. They have posted 74% and 86% save percentages respectively.

“No lineup changes are anticipated at this time,” said Richardson. He added: “Tonight’s game at Powerade centre will be a tough battle. The ‘Bellies feel this series is long from over.”

The key swing game takes place Monday September 8 at 7:30pm EST at the Powerade Centre in Brampton. The series resumes on Tuesday with Game 4.

For ticket information, visit www.ticketmaster.ca or call 416.870.8000. Also visit www.salmonbellies.com or www.excelsiors.com/major for information on viewing the games via live web broadcast.

The Mann Cup championship is Canada’s national lacrosse championship awarded yearly to the best Senior ‘A’ men’s team. Each year the best of seven series alternates coasts, with the champion of the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) versus that of the Major Series League (MSL).

This year’s Mann Cup championship features NLL player representatives from several professional franchises including NLL Boston, Buffalo, Calgary, Chicago, Colorado, Edmonton, New York, Rochester, Portland, San Jose and Toronto.

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