Sockeyes Douse Flames

       VS       

Christmas came early by two days this year for the Richmond Sockeyes as they walloped the Ridge Meadows Flames 11-0 Thursday night to leap frog the Delta Ice Hawks for top spot in the Tom Shaw Conference and the PIJHL.

This marked the fourth and final time that the Sockeyes would meet the Flames this season, having dropped 3-2 to the Flames back on December 10th. However, on this night, the Sockeyes came out guns a blazing. At 1:31 of the first period Jessie Siemens scored his 5th of the season from Hunter and Pare. That was just the start of what would be a fabulous night for that line. Sebastien Pare then scored at the five minute mark to make 2-0. Then Mitchell Smith tallied his 9th to chase starting goaltender Tyler Klassen. Mackenzie Skapski came in to replace Klassen, but he didn't fair much better. At 14:23, Patrick Hunter scored his first of four goals on the night and 14th of the season to make it 4-0 and that is how it would finish after one period of hockey.

In the second, the game continued in the wrong direction for the Flames. At 4:25, Hunter scored his second of the night on a beautiful move to the backhand and putting it crossbar and in. Then, Eli Wiebe would score on a great shot off the left wing to make it 6-0 for the Sockeyes. That would spell the end of the night for Mackenzie Skapski, and back in came Tyler Klassen. Though, Klassen would unravel after that. Four more goals in the second period for the Sockeyes from Keenan Webb shorthanded; Patrick Hunter's 3rd of the night; Kyzen Loo; and Jessie Siemens second and 6th of the season. The score at the end of 40 minutes was 10-0 for the Sockeyes.

In the third, Klassen remained in the net and made a handful of marvelous saves that kept the score 10-0. Though, it wasn't a perfect period, as Patrick Hunter tallied his 4th goal of the game at 19:27 to tie Jake Roder for the team lead in goals with 17. That was also the second four goal game of the season for the Captain, both of them coming at home.

Eight players would finish the night with two or more points lead by Hunter who had four goals and one assist; Sebastien Pare, who had one goal and four assists; and Jessie Siemens who had two goals and two assists, as that line combined for 14 points in the game. Other players with two or more points included Keenan Webb, Kyzen Loo, Mitchell Smith, Brayden Low, and Eli Wiebe.

Lost in all the goal scoring, was the outstanding play of starting goaltender for the Sockeyes, Devin Nijjer. Nijjer wasn't tested much, but made the saves that he needed to. He stopped all the shots directed his way in the game by the Flames recording his second PIJHL shutout, and second of the season.

With the victory, Sockeyes sit atop the PIJHL with an overall record of 24-4-3, for 51 points, one point ahead of the Ice Hawks, at the Christmas break.

Next action for the Sockeyes comes December 30th as they head to the Sungod Arena to face division foe the North Delta Devils. Next home game will come January 6th when the Sockeyes with entertain the Grandview Steelers.

For everyone within the Richmond Sockeyes organization, we wish you a fun and safe holiday season.