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In what was without a doubt one of the most exciting Junior B games ever played, the Richmond Sockeyes had a huge third period comeback to win by a 4-3 score in overtime. After three straight Ice Hawks goals to the a 3-1 lead, the Sockeyes tied the game in the third to send it to overtime. Where Rudi Thorsteinson once again scored a beautiful goal to give Richmond the 1-0 series lead.
This game was going to be a great one, this series was going to be a great one as the two top PIJHL teams were playing for the Tom Shaw final. 1st place versus 2nd place as these two teams faced off in Richmond at Minoru Arena.
The opening period was a showcase of why these two opponents are the best in the league, there was exciting action up and down the ice. The game got started off with a huge hit by Alex Martin on Kamesh Goundar that laid him out at the right wing boards. Brayden Low with Siemens and Goundar were playing a strong offensive game together, and in turn opened the series scoring. After Goundar pokked the puck to Low, he came in on a 2 on 1 with Siemens, pulled the defensive man over and waited for Siemens to get opened on the far side. Low threaded a beauty pass right to Siemens who potted his third post season goal. After one period of play the Ice Hawks were outshooting the Sockeyes 14-9 but were down 1-0.
The Ice Hawks intensity really started to pick up in the third, they had that desperation look to them. That would all be stopped though as the first penalty of the game went to Dominic Toigo. Or would it? Spencer Traher got out on a break away and shot the puck at Aaron Oakley, he thought the puck had squeaked behind him, and unfortunately it was just laying in the crease and the trailer, Cody Smith scored. He simply grabbed the puck in the crease and shot it past Oakley to tie the game after two periods of play.
All that was remaining between these two teams was twenty minutes of play, it had that appearance like the game could go to ovetime, but the Ice Hawks had other ideas. Delta scored two consecutive goals, Liam Harding finally scored his first playoff goal and Cody Fidgett extended the lead to two goals with under 13 minutes remaining in the game. Kye Benjaminsen was playing solid for Delta registering the only assists on both goals.
At this point with the score 3-1 and the wheels falling off the bus, head coach Judd Lambert pulled a beautiful move calling a timeout to settle down his troops. This proved to be the games turning point, as Richmond made it a one goal game just 1:04 after Fidgett's goal. Jake Roder got a rebound goal from Thorsteinson and Hamaguchi as th top line came through.
The tides had completely turned on Delta, all the offence was in Delta's zone at this point and Nick Enegren was the only thing keeping them in it. But with 5:49 to go in the game, Patrick Hunter tied the game while falling to the ice in Bobby Orr fashion. Just an absolutely huge and crazy goal that erupted the Richmond fans from their seats at the Minoru Arena. The captain had been playing a great game to this point but hadn't found the back of the net, but he solidified his place in the three stars with that goal. Despite frantic action at both ends of the ice the score would remain tied and it headed to overtime.
We could expect nothing less from these two foes, who were playing just absolute beautiful hockey to this point. The puck would drop for overtime and the first great chance went to Delta. Konrad Sander sprung himself for a breakaway but Oakley was there once again to make the stop.
Then came the top line, Thosteinson, Hamaguchi and Roder, cutting in and cycling the puck down deep in the Delta zone. Before you knew it, Jeremy Hamaguchi got the puck to Jake Roder who forced it to Thosteinson. Thorsteinson was able to make a gorgeous move around an Ice Hawks defender, took that little bit of extra time and patience, skated around Enegren and shot home his game winning goal. This was the second game winner in a row for the 18 year old Richmond native.
A story in this game was the superb goaltending by both Nick Enegren and Aaron Oakley. Enegren stopped 38 of 42 shots and make some huge saves especially on a couple two on one saves. While Oakley came out with the win, he made 30 saves, none bigger than a break away in overtime.
The referees were able to call a great game, only three penalties were assessed in the entire time. They only called what was necessary, the best hockey is played 5 on 5 nnd they let them play that way.
This was a fantastic end, to a fantastic game that was without doubt one of the most intense, action packed and entertaining games of all time for Junior B hockey. Just another reminder why if you have the chance to make it out to the Minoru Arena Thursday March 10th at 7:30 for game 4 of this series. You can also watch online at SoxckeyesTV www.richmondsockeyes.com
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