For the second time this season, by the same score, Jeremy Hamaguchi delivered electrifying heroics in overtime at the 'Ru and the Richmond Sockeyes claimed a big "W" to extend their winning streak to three.
The first 3-2 overtime victory came on October 11th over the Abbotsford Pilots, while this past Thursday, the punch was landed on the conference opponent North Delta Devils, who were starting to come on hot in the standings. Also notably in the standings, the Delta Ice Hawks were riding a two-game losing slide - a great little window of opportunity for the Sockeyes to makeup some ground for top spot in the Tom Shaw Conference and overall PJHL.
Well, that's exactly what the Sockeyes did - and with no lack in dramatic fashion to put the cherry on top.
The first period was lackluster at best. Both teams struggled to find clean, clear cut offensive opportunities and establish an edge over the other team. Although the Sockeyes managed to outshoot the Devils 13-3 in the first period, with the full week Richmond had in preparation for Thursday night's tilt, it certainly appeared the team wasn't firing on all cylinders early. The first frame ended 0-0.
In the second, the hockey game started to find its life. About midway through the period, on a mad scramble in front of Devils goalie Steve Myland, Danton Heinen was able to pop it into the back of the net to make it 1-0 Sockeyes, as the young rookie forward continues to shine. Then, only 18 seconds later, the North Delta Devils snatched the goal right back as Colin Catchpole was able to break in on the wing and beat Kootenay Alder five hole on a harmless-looking shot. Just like that, the game had picked up tremendously in pace, but the result would remain the same through the entire period - a tie.
In the third period, the trend continued - again the game would feel the tie break, but only for a brief moment. This time it was the Devils who jumped out to the lead with a quick tally just over one minute and a half into the period, but it didn't take long for the Sockeyes to respond. Just over two minutes after the Devils made it 2-1, Jeremy Hamaguchi slotted one past Myland on the powerplay to knot it back up at two's. The rest of the period would go back and forth, but neither team could find that last, late decisive goal to punch their way to victory in regulation time.
In the first overtime period of four-on-four nothing would change and the game would reach its last stage - three-on-three. Then, with Daniel Tait coming off the bench with fresh legs, paired with Hamaguchi and Matt Wagner on the point, the stage was set. Off the draw in the offensive end, Tait picked up the puck and wheeled all the way around into the corner, creating the perfect amount of space and separation to find Hamaguchi at the side of the net with a perfect pass. Guch would make no mistake and barry it top shelf, right where all the the leftover Halloween candy is stashed. 3-2 Sockeyes in overtime. Hamaguchi the hero, on an absolutely brilliant passing effort from Daniel Tait. What a finish, as the Sockeyes extend their win streak to three.
Brief Game Notes:
1. Sockeyes: 1/2 on the powerplay
2. Final shot count: 36-20 for Sockeyes
3. Second time this season Richmond wins 3-2 in overtime on home ice with Hamaguchi winner
Scratches:
1. Dylan Friel
2. Dominic Centis
3. Adam Nishi
Three Stars:
1. Jeremy Hamaguchi
2. Danton Heinen
3. Colin Catchpole
Be sure to catch the next home game vs. Grandview live from the 'Ru next Thrusday, November 28th, on www.richmondsockeyes.com. Pre-game 7:20, puck drop 7:30 p.m.
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