Bellies strike first in Mann Cup final

 The Six Nations Chiefs got down early, came back and fell just short, dropping an 11-8 overtime decision to the New Westminster Salmonbellies in Game 1 of the Mann Cup.

In front of a sold out Queen's Park Arena, the Western Lacrosse Association champion Bellies got goals from Mitch Jones, Reece Callies, Will Malcom, and Jeff Cornwall in the extra frame to come away with the win.

To force overtime, Haiden Dickson scored with one second to go in regulation, extinguishing the Chiefs' only lead of the game thanks to Dhane Smith's marker.

The Bellies got off to the start they were hoping for, thanks to a pair of goals from Jones and one from Malcom. 

In the second period Cody Jamieson got the Chiefs on the board, before Jones and Dickson increased the Bellies' lead. Shayne Jackson responded a minute later, but Malcom scored again to regain a four-goal lead.  Dawson Theede and Jamieson scored late for teh Chiefs to start the comeback.

The Chiefs kept that momentum in the third period. Dhane Smith scored his first of two in the period, before Ryan Smith tied things up.

Frank Scigliano turned aside 61 shots for the win in the pipes, while Doug Jamieson made 52 saves, earning his team's Player of the Game award. 

Mitch Jones was the Player of the Game for the Bellies thanks to his four-goal performance.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Saturday at 10pm EST.