Sockeyes keep rolling... and look who's back!

It was an emotional night at Minoru Arena. No, the Sockeyes were not playing a traditional rival. No, the game was never really in question for the home team. No, the game-winning goal did not come in the final minute of the third period or in overtime. Instead, sentiments emoted within the crowd and on the home bench with the return of a player - Jake Roder (@jakeroder) reminded all present what it took to win the 2010-11 PIJHL championship. The "Red Line" re-united again, since that great run. The onlookers on Thursday however, may argue that it was like they were never apart.

And what a triumphant return it was. Roder came back to the 'Ru and his former PJHL team, while playing alongside Rudi Thorsteinson (@rudithor) and Jeremy Hamaguchi (@guchh). He scored 2 goals and added an assist in a comfortable 6-1 for the Richmond Sockeyes. The Allison (@deanallison21), Tait (@danieltait94), Chichak (@shemchichak) line continued their hot streak by combining for 11 points. 

It was a lackluster showing for the visiting North Vancouver Wolf Pack - the last team in the conference coming into the game lived up to their current standing as they faced the red hot Sockeyes who are winners of 7 of their last 8.

Perhaps the only disappointment of the night for Richmond came with 2:40 left in the game, as Marcus Houck put the lone goal in for the visitors ruining William Latimer's (@goalieslut) bid for his second shutout in three games. Latimer's numbers as a Sockeye have been remarkable. His miniscule 0.75 GAA and .972 save percentage are signs that the 18-year-old has adapted to his new colours since leaving the Mission City Outlaws. 

Three Stars:

1. Sam Chichak

2. Daniel Tait

3. William Latimer