<img src="http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/07/salmonprospects.jpg" class="imageFloatRightFramed">Perhaps inspired by the stylized maple leaf on their new jerseys, similar to that worn by the legendary Canadian Corps, victors of Vimy Ridge, the Victoria Salmon Kings overcame the adversity of being outshot and gained another crucial December victory.

Once again, the boys from Sin City struck first, on a fast break in. Robbie Bina, #6, corraled the puck and dished to #52 Ryan Weston who was accurate with his shot.

In an inspired move, Coach Morrison reinserted Scott Howes as the 10th forward. Attacking deep, Howes took the puck at high speed, rifling the puck into the Las Vegas net, leveling the score 1-1. In a period where they were outshot 18 to 6, the Salmon Kings hung in and Wes Goldie made it 2 goals on six shots for Victoria when he unleashed a blueline rocket.

Goalie David Shantz pounced on a dangerous bouncing puck in the second frame. That was the 20th of 30 saves he would make. Often "the gods of hockey" reward a team for such a save. In this case, Chad Pinchauld, killing a penalty, skillfully crossed the blueline and scored on a rapid snap shot that would prove to be the game winner. Six minutes into the final frame, the ever dangerous #11 Francois Lemieux brought the Wranglers to within a goal.

Again, six plus minutes later, this time Wes Goldie recieved the puck in a perfect high slot location and in his classic style fired his second goal, his 10th on the season to increase Victora's lead 4-2. Despite not getting an assist on this play, Olivier Filion, showing "the heart, guts and desire" that scouts love, made a play while on one knee despite being hit. This allowed teamated Taylor Elllington and Olivier Latendresse to find that perfect spot for Captian Goldie.

Over the SOFMC loudpspeakers just prior to a faceoff with 1:21 left, what appeared to be the ominous sound of Hell's Bells tolling. On this night they tolled for the Wranglers, who outshot the Salmon Kings 32 to 20 but for the second night in a row lost 4-2.

SOME NOTABLE NOTES....Randall Gelch with speed on the wing...Olivier Latendress and his ability to know where the puck is going...the relentless playoff attitude of the team.....Unsung Hero---the whole team, coaches and players, a real team effort.

OTHER NOTES--Autographed pucks are available for $10 (proceeds to the Goals That Give Charity) before the game and between periods at the Booster Club table.

Christmas ornaments produced by the players on Craft Day will be available via silent auction during the Stockton Series Dec. 16,18 and 19. An excelelnt chance to bid on your favourite players item or to try to get a unique Christmas gift for the hockey fan in your life.

THUNDER CLOUDS --In Anchorage the Stockton Thunder opened their Alaska trip with a 6-4 victory. Two former Aces and ex-BCJHLers were prominent in the win. Matt Robinson scored twice, and Brett Hemmingway added another goal. This now means that Victoria, Las Vegas and Stockton are now, with 19 points apiece, are tied for 6th place in the ECHL National Conference. Playoff seedings will be Conference wide, with first getting a buy and last place being eliminated.

In December we are seeing a de facto playoff race between these three teams as they jockey for that those two final playoff spots--wins in December may mean money in the bank in late March and early April.