While the NHL Winter Classic is one of the biggest, most unique stages hockey can be played on at a pro level, for the PJHL this one-of-a-kind experience could be made comparable to the scene at the Richmond Olympic Oval this past Saturday.
For the second straight year, the Richmond Sockeyes took part in Hockey Day in Canada to celebrate one of this country's most cherished fragments of culture at one of the Lower Mainland's most cutting edge sports facilities.
The Sockeyes were coming into the midday game in a position they haven't been in for quite some time - winless in two and coming off very, very short rest. Richmond played the night before at the MSA Arena and lost a heartbreaker to the Abbotsford Pilots 4-3 in overtime after they held a two goal lead heading into the third period - their second third period collapse in as many games.
To the Sockeyes dismay however, the trend didn't shift in the limelight on Thursday.
The afternoon tilt with the Aldergrove Kodiaks at the Oval started a little bit sluggish for the home team, as perhaps their fatigue from the previous night started to show a little prematurely. The Kodiaks, on the other hand, showed their speed and skill early, capitalizing on the Olympic-sized ice. Finally, their efforts of outworking the Sockeyes would be rewarded on a powerplay goal from MacLean Hewitt midway through the first frame. Aldergrove continued to hold the edge going through the second period, but then, Stephen Campbell answered with a powerplay tally of his making it a 1-1 tie at the end of the second.
The third period was the real wild card of excitement the entire crowd had been waiting to be drawn - after all, it was a battle between two of the top teams in the league. The Kodiaks came out re-energized and quickly netted two to re-established their lead in the game. It was Ryan Simpson who scored the third marker for the Kodiaks on his second penalty shot in the period.
The Sockeyes looked deflated, like their fatigue had certainly caught up to them at that point. They continued to struggle to throw quality chances on goaltender Mark Menicucci as time started to work against them. Then, in the last minute and a half, something special happened from someone who has proven to be the Sockeyes' most pleasant surprise all season. League leading rookie Daniell Lange put the entire team on his back by scoring two late, late goals - the equalizer with just 24 seconds left on the clock - leading the Sockeyes to their third consecutive overtime action.
In the first four-on-four OT period, neither team could find the back of the net. For a while, it seemed both teams were running on such low fuel in the tank this one could end up in a tie. But then in the three-on-three frame, the most exciting stage of PJHL hockey, it was Joshua Cronin finishing a beautiful play created by Spencer McHaffie to put it away.
On this Hockey Day in Canada, the Richmond Sockeyes couldn't quite do it. They came very close, but when all was said and done the glory on the big stage belonged to the Aldergrove Kodiaks. 4-3 final.
More important than the unique situation of this particular loss however, is the bigger picture: the Sockeyes are now winless in three, having not won a game yet in the month of February.
Brief Game Notes:
1. Sockeyes are now 1-0-1 at the Olympic Oval (won 7-1 on same occasion last year vs. Devils)
2. Final shot count: 47-44 in favour of Richmond.
3. Sockeyes: 2/5 on the powerplay.
4. Lange gets 32nd and 33rd goals on season (most goals in the PJHL)
Scratches:
1. Sam Chichak
2. Matt Wagner
3. Trevor Lima
4. Trevor Stack
Three Stars:
1. Joshua Cronin
2. Scott Wessa
3. Daniell Lange
Be sure to catch the next home game and last game of the season vs. Ridge Meadows live from the 'Ru next Thursday, February 14th, on www.richmondsockeyes.com. Pre-game 7:20, puck drop 7:30 p.m.
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