The New Westminster Salmonbellies sent the Maple Ridge a tough message Wednesday - beware.
After a less than inspiring finish to the regular season, New Westminster showed its more physical post-season side, getting by a game Burrards club 11-8 at Queen's Park Arena on Wednesday.
"It was a good Game 1, everything would could expect," said the game's first star Curtis Hodgson, who led the 'Bellies with two goals and three assists from the back end. "(Maple Ridge) is a tough, gritty team. They make you earn it every night."
But as the game went on, it was evident that grit alone might not carry the smaller Burrards successfully through a seven-game series against the harder-hitting Salmonbellies.
"We got to play our game and step up our intensity and defensiveness, and hopefully wear them down a bit," Hodgson added.
New Westminster allowed Maple Ridge to rally late in the first two periods.
The defending three-time B.C. champs jumped out to an early 3-1 lead in the first period, before Maple Ridge tied it up in the latter part of the period.
In the middle frame, the 'Bellies appeared on their way, opening up a 7-3 advantage. But Maple Ridge again eventually tied it up, thanks in part to the speedy transition play of Creighton Reid.
Drew Dickie played well in goal for the Burrards, stopping 43 Salmonbellies shots.
Not to be outdone, New West countered with two quick goals in the dying seconds of the period from Jordan McBride, with his second of the game, and Hodgson seven seconds later to retake the advantage.
The final session was the 'Bellies' period, outscoring the visitors 2-1, while bringing more physicality into play.
Third star Cliff Smith punctuated the Salmonbellies' win with his hat trick goal late in the third period.
Curtis Manning gave the home team some breathing room midway through the final frame to give New West a two-goal advantage, scoring on a three-and-two break from Hodgson.
"The playoffs are a time to bring your best every game," Hodgson added. "It was close tonight. We have to be a little smarter and not give (Maple Ridge) chances to capitalize or hurt us.
Tyler Richards got the win in goal, making 38 saves.
Game 2 of the series runs Friday at the Cam Neely Arena in Maple Ridge.
Game 3 is back at Queen's Park Arena on Sunday. Both games are 7:45 p.m. starts.
