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
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