After the Richmond Sockeyes played one of their most complete and impressive games all season in the final chapter of their Tom Shaw Conference Finals series matchup vs. the Delta Ice Hawks, defeating their rivals 5-1 in game seven, the team has shown no sign of stopping in the PJHL Championship.
After only one full day off after laying the final dagger into the hearts of the Ice Hawks, the Sockeyes have quickly jumped out to a 2-0 series lead over the Aldergrove Kodiaks in the PJHL Finals.
Meanwhile, going into game one, the Kodiaks were coming off of a full week's rest since defeating the Pilots 4-1 in their Harold Brittain Conference Finals. Clearly, however, it didn't prove to do anything for them.
The Sockeyes cruised to an 8-2 win in convincing fashion as many offensive weapons are really starting to heat up - and at no better time. The Red Line looks to be the best line in the PJHL the way they've been rolling as they put up an 8-point effort collectively. The Youth Line made up of Heinen, Lawson and Lange also got their wheels turning a little faster as they exploded for a 7 point night. But still unquestionably the hottest Sockeye of the playoffs is Dean Allison. Although he only tallied one point in game one vs. Aldergrove, he is one of the biggest reasons the Richmond club finds themselves in the position to clinch a Cyclone Taylor Cup birth in the first place.
In game two, Allison wasn't silenced for much longer. The young star scored his 11th and 12th of the playoffs putting him atop the PJHL playoff point scorers with 18 and leading his team to a 5-0 win in game two - and another convincing one at that. Although the Kodiaks seemed to have the spark early on looking to rebound from an embarrassing game one, the Sockeyes found a way to shut them down defensively and take advantage of the chances they got early on. It was still close after two as the 'Eyes lead it only by a 2-0 margin, but when the third hit, they put it well out of reach adding three more. Kootenay Alder matched the number on his jersey, stopping all 29 shots he faced, and picked up his third shutout of the post season. Meanwhile, on the other side, star Kodiaks goalie Mark Menicucci was disciplined with 10-minute misconduct and will not play in game three - a sign that doesn't seem to indicate things may soon stop falling apart for the struggling Aldergrove team.
Be sure to catch game three vs. Aldergrove live from the 'Ru this Sunday, March 23rd, on www.richmondsockeyes.com. Pre-game 5:30, puck drop 5:45 p.m.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Sockeyes season comes down to 7th game
It looked like last year's defeat had been avenged. It looked like a championship series with Aldergrove was a sure thing. It looked like a berth in the Cyclone Taylor Cup tournament was a likely outcome. But then game 5 happened.
After going down 3-1 in their series with Richmond, the Delta Ice Hawks have shown incredible resilience, nerve and fighting spirit. They took game 5 by a dramatic 5-4 score that saw them blow a 2-0 lead. They would hang on after Jake Roder increased the drama factor, and decreased the lead to 5-4 with 9 minutes left in the third. It would be a lead that would stand as Alex Ahnert would stop the other 7 shots that came his way in that period for a crucial road win in game 5.
Game 6 was another evenly matched, high-paced game. The Ice Hawks got off to a 1-0 lead when Daniel Del Bianco blasted one past Kootenay Alder to open up the scoring. Heinen would knot things up at 1 in the second, but the draw would be short-lived. Letourneau and Merrick would score less than 3 minutes apart, to make the lead an unsurmountable one of the Sockeyes.
So it now comes to this. Game 7. Minoru Arena. Tuesday night at 8:45. A more dramatic script up to now could not be written better than the stories these teams have told on the ice to this point. Come to the game or catch all the action live on richmondsockeyes.com.
After going down 3-1 in their series with Richmond, the Delta Ice Hawks have shown incredible resilience, nerve and fighting spirit. They took game 5 by a dramatic 5-4 score that saw them blow a 2-0 lead. They would hang on after Jake Roder increased the drama factor, and decreased the lead to 5-4 with 9 minutes left in the third. It would be a lead that would stand as Alex Ahnert would stop the other 7 shots that came his way in that period for a crucial road win in game 5.
Game 6 was another evenly matched, high-paced game. The Ice Hawks got off to a 1-0 lead when Daniel Del Bianco blasted one past Kootenay Alder to open up the scoring. Heinen would knot things up at 1 in the second, but the draw would be short-lived. Letourneau and Merrick would score less than 3 minutes apart, to make the lead an unsurmountable one of the Sockeyes.
So it now comes to this. Game 7. Minoru Arena. Tuesday night at 8:45. A more dramatic script up to now could not be written better than the stories these teams have told on the ice to this point. Come to the game or catch all the action live on richmondsockeyes.com.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Sockeyes dominate defensively, take 2-1 series lead
"Well, it wasn't a Picasso:" those are the words Head Coach Aaron Wilbur used to describe his team's 3-2 come-from-behind win in game two in the Tom Shaw Conference Final series against the Delta Ice Hawks.
Clearly, although it was as thrilling of a win as any, the Sockeyes bench boss knew it wasn't the most complete effort his club was capable of. Well, on Sunday, Richmond certainly took game three in their most convincing fashion thus far in this years' installment of the Tunnel Series as Kootenay Alder earned his second shutout of the post season by a 2-0 final.
In fact, interestingly enough, after the Sockeyes began the series not having scored through the first 80+ minutes of hockey before Dean Allison's marker in the second period of game two, it's now Delta who has caught the slump. The Ice Hawks haven't now scored a goal in 100+ minutes.
And while it must be considered that the Ice Hawks are currently hurting without one of their biggest leaders in Anthony Brito, who hasn't played since game one, credit is due where credit is earned: the Sockeyes are playing tremendous defensive hockey.
The first period began a little tentatively, as both teams got settled and tried to find the pace with which game two ended on. Delta, once again, emerged as the team who carried the edge early on. They were throwing more shots towards the net, and seemed to have the better jump in their step. But as is the case in many situations with this Richmond Sockeyes team, one chance is all they need to completely swing the advantage and control back their way. That chance in game two would come midway through the first frame on the powerplay. Dean Allison, would find a loose puck in the slot after some nice movement on the man advantage to pop it up and over Alex Anhert for the second time this series. Allison continues to streak as the undisputed hottest Sockeye weapon in the playoffs - he now has 10 points in 7 games.
The second period was much of the same. Both teams saw a few chances and powerplays open up, but nothing too golden. Neither team wanted to give their opponent to many looks, but when there was an opening, both goalies were up to the task. Kootenay Alder was standing rock solid in the Sockeyes crease, and Alex Anhert was giving his giving his club a chance at the very least.
Penalties were the trend of the third period. Each team would receive back-to-back powerplays generating no lack of excitement as it remained 1-0 Richmond nearing the halfway mark of the period. Spencer Shoen, the Delta forward, would eventually take a high sticking penalty in the offensive zone that would prove costly. On the powerplay for the fifth time in the hockey game, the Richmond Sockeyes would make no mistake of putting this one dangerously out of reach for the slumping Ice Hawks. Jeremy Hamaguchi lifted one top shelf in tight on Anhert for his first in the series to put the Sockeyes up two with ten to play.
The last half of the third frame saw the Ice Hawks scramble for all they could create. They too, would end up on two powerplays, but came up with lackluster efforts at best. Kootenay Alder and his defensemen were everywhere at every angle, taking away shooting and passing lanes, and meeting every peak of physicality the Ice Hawks would try to throw at them. The Sockeyes were stronger on this night.
As the seconds ticked off the clock, you knew nobody would go quietly. The Ice Hawks needed to establish some sort of energy they could carry with them into game four. A light brouhaha ensued at the final buzzer, and consequently four players would be handed 10 minute misconducts: Ryan Cuthbert, Tanner Gattinger, Scott Wessa and Dominic Centis.
It goes without saying, this series is just starting to get good.
Three Stars:
1. Kootenay Alder
2. Scott Wessa
3. Dean Allison
The Sockeyes now jump on the road for game four at the Ladner Leisure Centre on Tuesday night, before re-taking to a lively 'Ru crowd on Thursday night in game five. Puck drop is at 7:30 pm, pre-game at 7:15 on Thursday - catch it all at www.richmondsockeyes.com.
Clearly, although it was as thrilling of a win as any, the Sockeyes bench boss knew it wasn't the most complete effort his club was capable of. Well, on Sunday, Richmond certainly took game three in their most convincing fashion thus far in this years' installment of the Tunnel Series as Kootenay Alder earned his second shutout of the post season by a 2-0 final.
In fact, interestingly enough, after the Sockeyes began the series not having scored through the first 80+ minutes of hockey before Dean Allison's marker in the second period of game two, it's now Delta who has caught the slump. The Ice Hawks haven't now scored a goal in 100+ minutes.
And while it must be considered that the Ice Hawks are currently hurting without one of their biggest leaders in Anthony Brito, who hasn't played since game one, credit is due where credit is earned: the Sockeyes are playing tremendous defensive hockey.
The first period began a little tentatively, as both teams got settled and tried to find the pace with which game two ended on. Delta, once again, emerged as the team who carried the edge early on. They were throwing more shots towards the net, and seemed to have the better jump in their step. But as is the case in many situations with this Richmond Sockeyes team, one chance is all they need to completely swing the advantage and control back their way. That chance in game two would come midway through the first frame on the powerplay. Dean Allison, would find a loose puck in the slot after some nice movement on the man advantage to pop it up and over Alex Anhert for the second time this series. Allison continues to streak as the undisputed hottest Sockeye weapon in the playoffs - he now has 10 points in 7 games.
The second period was much of the same. Both teams saw a few chances and powerplays open up, but nothing too golden. Neither team wanted to give their opponent to many looks, but when there was an opening, both goalies were up to the task. Kootenay Alder was standing rock solid in the Sockeyes crease, and Alex Anhert was giving his giving his club a chance at the very least.
Penalties were the trend of the third period. Each team would receive back-to-back powerplays generating no lack of excitement as it remained 1-0 Richmond nearing the halfway mark of the period. Spencer Shoen, the Delta forward, would eventually take a high sticking penalty in the offensive zone that would prove costly. On the powerplay for the fifth time in the hockey game, the Richmond Sockeyes would make no mistake of putting this one dangerously out of reach for the slumping Ice Hawks. Jeremy Hamaguchi lifted one top shelf in tight on Anhert for his first in the series to put the Sockeyes up two with ten to play.
The last half of the third frame saw the Ice Hawks scramble for all they could create. They too, would end up on two powerplays, but came up with lackluster efforts at best. Kootenay Alder and his defensemen were everywhere at every angle, taking away shooting and passing lanes, and meeting every peak of physicality the Ice Hawks would try to throw at them. The Sockeyes were stronger on this night.
As the seconds ticked off the clock, you knew nobody would go quietly. The Ice Hawks needed to establish some sort of energy they could carry with them into game four. A light brouhaha ensued at the final buzzer, and consequently four players would be handed 10 minute misconducts: Ryan Cuthbert, Tanner Gattinger, Scott Wessa and Dominic Centis.
It goes without saying, this series is just starting to get good.
Three Stars:
1. Kootenay Alder
2. Scott Wessa
3. Dean Allison
The Sockeyes now jump on the road for game four at the Ladner Leisure Centre on Tuesday night, before re-taking to a lively 'Ru crowd on Thursday night in game five. Puck drop is at 7:30 pm, pre-game at 7:15 on Thursday - catch it all at www.richmondsockeyes.com.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Sockeyes tie the Tunnel Series at 1 game apiece
It was a tale of two halves. Game 2 featured drama, excitement and an exhilarating comeback.
The first 20 minutes belonged to the Ice Hawks from the get go. They applied constant pressure from the opening faceoff, created turnovers with a heavy forecheck and did not allow easy breakouts. That lead to the first powerplay of the game in their favour. It wouldn't take long for an Alex Martin point shot to get deflected on the man advantage by Marc Letourneau past Kootenay Alder. The second marker would come from another deflection after an outstanding individual rush from the right wing by Tanner Gattinger, who eventually sent a centrering pass tipped home by Kolten Grieve. The first period ended with some frightening facts for the Sockeyes - a 16-9 deficit in shots, a lack of scoring chances and most notably a 2-0 shortfall in the score.
The second was a lot more even for the home side. The line of Chichak, Allison and Tait skated well all period and created some opportunities. They would capitalize it on a great play by Dominic Centis bouncing on Dean Allison's stick who put the snapshot past PJHL goalie of the year Alex Anhert. The second would end with a 2-1 lead for the Delta Ice Hawks.
The third, much like the first period, was dominated by one team. This time, it was Richmond's turn to take the momentum. Delta tightened up defensively not allowing room in their defensive zone and trying to box out to eliminate chance off rebounds. But an exceptional individual rush by the usually defensive-minded Scott Wessa, who entered the zone with speed, playing the puck to Hamaguchi who fed it to Jake Roder for a goal made the 'ru erupt with excitement. The towels had not stopped waving when just 20 seconds later Daniel Tait found a loose puck and took a shot from the slot which would beat Anhert. After some nervous final moments and a plethora of whistles, the Sockeyes held on and knotted the series at one. Game 3 goes from Minoru Arena, Sunday evening at 5:45.
Three Stars:
1. Daniel Tait
2. Tanner Gattinger
3. Dominic Centis
The first 20 minutes belonged to the Ice Hawks from the get go. They applied constant pressure from the opening faceoff, created turnovers with a heavy forecheck and did not allow easy breakouts. That lead to the first powerplay of the game in their favour. It wouldn't take long for an Alex Martin point shot to get deflected on the man advantage by Marc Letourneau past Kootenay Alder. The second marker would come from another deflection after an outstanding individual rush from the right wing by Tanner Gattinger, who eventually sent a centrering pass tipped home by Kolten Grieve. The first period ended with some frightening facts for the Sockeyes - a 16-9 deficit in shots, a lack of scoring chances and most notably a 2-0 shortfall in the score.
The second was a lot more even for the home side. The line of Chichak, Allison and Tait skated well all period and created some opportunities. They would capitalize it on a great play by Dominic Centis bouncing on Dean Allison's stick who put the snapshot past PJHL goalie of the year Alex Anhert. The second would end with a 2-1 lead for the Delta Ice Hawks.
The third, much like the first period, was dominated by one team. This time, it was Richmond's turn to take the momentum. Delta tightened up defensively not allowing room in their defensive zone and trying to box out to eliminate chance off rebounds. But an exceptional individual rush by the usually defensive-minded Scott Wessa, who entered the zone with speed, playing the puck to Hamaguchi who fed it to Jake Roder for a goal made the 'ru erupt with excitement. The towels had not stopped waving when just 20 seconds later Daniel Tait found a loose puck and took a shot from the slot which would beat Anhert. After some nervous final moments and a plethora of whistles, the Sockeyes held on and knotted the series at one. Game 3 goes from Minoru Arena, Sunday evening at 5:45.
Three Stars:
1. Daniel Tait
2. Tanner Gattinger
3. Dominic Centis
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Tom Shaw Conference Finals Preview
Here we go, for the fourth consecutive time in the PJHL playoffs, the Delta Ice Hawks and Richmond Sockeyes will resurrect their historic rivalry in the Tom Shaw Conference Finals. In the last two years, the team which has won the installment of the renowned "Tunnel Series" has gone on to be crowned as league champions.
In 2008-2009, Richmond also beat Delta in the playoffs, although it came in the semi-finals and in the form of a four game sweep. That first series win catapulted them to that tremendous run, which ended with their first Keystone Cup coronation in franchise history.
Be sure to follow all the latest on the series at the Richmond Sockeyes twitter feed: @R_Sockeyes.
So, any excitement? This series is the perennial hype fans around the league wait for all year.
At the end of the regular season, the Sockeyes emerged as the top contender in the PJHL, but not by much as they pulled through their last ten games with a 5-2-0-3 record and edge Delta by two points atop the Tom Shaw Conference and the overall league standings. Meanwhile, on the other hand, the Ice Hawks were playing some of their strongest hockey down the stretch, and going into the playoffs were the hottest team in the league boasting an 8-1-0-1 record in their last ten regular season tilts.
In that critical ten game span, the Sockeyes and Ice Hawks split the two late season matchups with a win a piece, the latest which ended in a 3-2 OT win for Delta on home ice, but gave Richmond the final edge in the season series with the overtime point.
In the regular season series, the Sockeyes ended with a 3-2-1 record in the six games played versus their divisional foes, meanwhile the Ice Hawks sat at 3-3-0. Remarkably, both teams scored 14 goals a piece against one another in this period.
Below is how it all broke down in the regular season between the two powerhouses:
- October 4th: 4-0 Delta win in Richmond
- October 9th: 4-1 Richmond win in Ladner
- November 8th: 3-0 Delta win in Richmond
- November 27th: 5-2 Richmond win in Ladner
- January 31st: 3-1 Richmond win in Richmond
- February 12th: 3-2 Delta OT win in Ladner
Delta Ice Hawks
(31-9-2-2)
|
Richmond Sockeyes (32-8-0-4)
|
3rd offensive ranking (187 GF)
|
2nd offensive ranking (197 GF)
|
Goals For Average: 4.25
|
Goals For Average: 4.48
|
2nd defensive ranking (96 GA)
|
3rd defensive ranking (97 GA)
|
Goals Against Average: 2.18
|
Goals Against Average: 2.20
|
PP goals: 36 – SH goals: 10
|
PP goals: 46 – SH: 3
|
Penalty Minutes: 1124
|
Penalty Minutes: 894
|
Feb. record: 3-1
|
Feb. record: 1-4
|
Last 10: 8-1-0-1
|
Last 10: 5-2-0-3
|
Top scorer: Barden (26G, 46A)
|
Top scorer: Allison (25G, 34A)
|
Top goalie: Lapp (17-8-1) & 2.40 GAA
|
Top goalie: Alder (20-10) & 2.51 GAA
|
In the last three years of this spirited seeming Tom Shaw Conference Finals tradition, this is how past series broke down:
- 2011-2012: 4-2 Delta series win (Delta would go on to win PJHL Championship)
- 2010-2011: 4-3 Rich series win (Richmond would go on to win PJHL Championship)
- 2009-2010: 4-1 Delta series win
In 2008-2009, Richmond also beat Delta in the playoffs, although it came in the semi-finals and in the form of a four game sweep. That first series win catapulted them to that tremendous run, which ended with their first Keystone Cup coronation in franchise history.
Well, there's only one thing left to note, and that's the game schedule - this year's chapter of the Tom Shaw Conference Finals which remains unwritten for now:
GAME 1: March 5th - 7:30 PM - Ladner
GAME 2: March 7th - 7:30 PM - Minoru
GAME 3: March 10th - 5:45 PM - Minoru
GAME 4: March 12th - 7:30 PM - Ladner
IF NEEDED:
GAME 5: March 14th - 7:30 PM - Minoru
GAME 6: March 16th - 7:30 PM - Ladner
GAME 7: March 18th - 8:45 PM - Minoru
GAME 1: March 5th - 7:30 PM - Ladner
GAME 2: March 7th - 7:30 PM - Minoru
GAME 3: March 10th - 5:45 PM - Minoru
GAME 4: March 12th - 7:30 PM - Ladner
IF NEEDED:
GAME 5: March 14th - 7:30 PM - Minoru
GAME 6: March 16th - 7:30 PM - Ladner
GAME 7: March 18th - 8:45 PM - Minoru
Be sure to follow all the latest on the series at the Richmond Sockeyes twitter feed: @R_Sockeyes.
Friday, March 1, 2013
The Sockeyes sweep the Devils
The Richmond Sockeyes completed a sweep of the North Delta Devils 4 games to nothing Thursday night. Richmond outscored their opponent 23-7 over the 4 games. The series however, was much closer than this stat would suggest. Two of the games were 1 goal affairs, including game 2's double overtime marathon. The turning point of the series was game 2's injury to starting goaltender Tyler Read, which would lead to the Devils go down 2-0 despite outshooting the Sockeyes.
Game 4 featured Richmond dominating the first period. Rudi Thorsteinson opened up the scoring 10:55 into the first period after a pretty play that resulted in a rebound. Tyler Read's return may have come a bit too late in the series for the Devils, but he returned in top form. After being peppered and outshot 17-3 after the first, Read's outstanding play kept the Devils into it going into the locker room down only 1-0.
The second period started much like the first ended, as Adam Nishi scored 1:55 into the second period showcasing his great skillset. The game would become a lot more even during the second period with both teams alternating with a pair of goals each.
The third period became a lot more of a tight checking affair. The lone goal came with just over 5 minutes as Ben Vikich skated from the right wing and made a great individual play to beat Kootenay Alder in the short side. The Sockeyes sat back during those last few minutes ensuring no defensive breakdowns in order to secure the game and the series.
For the fourth straight year, the Sockeyes and Ice Hawks will meet in the Tom Shaw Conference Final. The series starts on Tuesday evening at the Ladner Leisure Centre.
Three Stars:
1. Daniell Lange
2. Daniel Tait
3. Tyler Read
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