Game 5: Crawford, Russell rise Sockeyes above Steelers

It was a crucial Game 5 Thursday night at Minoru Arena between the Richmond Sockeyes and the Grandview Steelers. Having dropped their first two playoff games at home, the Sockeyes hoped for a different fate in front of their home crowd Thursday, looking to take a 3-2 lead in the series.

It was a better start for the Sockeyes, as they finally managed to get a lead at home when Tyler Andrews scored on the power-play. Cole MacInnes made two pad saves before Andrews got the third try up and over MacInnes for the goal.

Kurt Russell started for Richmond, coming off back-to-back shutouts, including a 3-0 victory Wednesday night. The shutout streak ended early as just after Andrews’ opening goal, Tim Chow beat Russell to knot the game at one.

Daniel Oakley broke the tie five minutes into the 2nd, when he took the puck to the slot and rifled a shot far-side on MacInnes.

Sockeyes looked poised to double their lead, with multiple close calls in the Steelers crease.

It was eventually Grandview who tied it up in the 3rd when Adam Rota fed the puck in front to Austin Campeau, who one-timed an in-tight shot past Russell.

The score was only tied for a moment, as a mad scramble in front of MacInnes was poked home by Brodie Crawford, who was wearing a cage after taking a high stick in Game 2.

Sockeyes did well to shut down the Grandview offense until Troy Sutherland’s deflected shot at the empty net fluttered in.

Jordan Andrews had a notably strong game defensively, while his brother Tyler looked electrifying in the offensive end for Richmond. Jacob Wozney seemed impossible to knock off the puck and Russell looked completely dialed in to this game.

The Sockeyes took this one 4-2 the final. They now have won three straight and lead the series 3-2. Game 6 goes on Sunday, with a potential Game 7 taking place Monday at Minoru.

• Bailey Meadows

Game 1: Chow, Steelers Stun Sockeyes

It was a rematch from last year’s first round playoff matchup for the Richmond Sockeyes. The Grandview Steelers visited Minoru Arena for the first playoff game of the year.

Sockeyes were without league-leading scorer Troy Kaczynski, who was injured in the final regular season game against the Port Moody Panthers.

The Sockeyes finished the regular season with a 4-1-1 record against the Steelers, though the Steelers took the last meeting in a 2-1 OT win. Richmond only lost three games at home all season, and won all their home games against Grandview.

The Steelers struck early, when a defensive lapse in front of Kurt Russell allowed Tim Chow to slide one into the Sockeyes goal.

The Sockeyes had the first penalty of the game, but were rewarded with three penalties in the final ten minutes of the 1st. The first two were unsuccessful, but Daniel Oakley’s wrist shot at the face-off dot beat Cole MacInnes to knot the game up at one before the period expired.

Matthew Bissett gave Richmond the lead just 30 seconds into the middle frame. He capitalized on a bounce off Lucas Mercer’s skate and snapped one post-and-in.

It was a physical affair throughout. Jake Wozney and Alex Rasovic were mixing it up in the 1st period, and each received 10-minute misconducts. Captains Jordan Andrews and Michael Wilmms exchanged pleasantries later and got separated by the refs before each sitting for two.

The Steelers had a great chance to tie the game late in the second but Sockeyes’ captain Jordan Andrews did well to stretch out and break up the play.

The Steelers would not be denied before period’s end. After Sockeyes failed to clear the zone, Pete Matthews took a wrist shot that beat Russell blocker side.

It became a one-period game heading into the third tied up at two.

On a delayed penalty, the Steelers took the lead early in the final frame. Chow slid one through the wickets of Russell for his second goal of the game.

Mac Colasimone was looking to tie it up but his blistering wrist shot rung off the crossbar and stayed out.

Sockeyes pushed to tie late, but Chow stole the puck in the neutral zone and flung it into the empty net for the hat-trick.

Sockeyes fall 4-2 to the Grandview Steelers, next game is Saturday, 5:45pm at Minoru Arena.

- Bailey Meadows

Kaczynski, Colasimone lead Sockeyes over Panthers

The Sockeyes hosted the lowly Port Moody Panthers on Thursday, looking to get two points closer to the PJHL lead. The North Van Wolf Pack hold the league-lead, up six points on the Sockeyes, though Richmond does have a game in hand.

Good news on the injured list as Mac Colasimone returned from injury in this game. Troy Kaczynski was also returning from a two-game suspension. Those two rejoined Tyler Paterson on the Sockeyes’ top line.

It was a strong defensive game for both sides, limiting a large portion of shots from both teams to the outside.

Sockeyes controlled play for much of the first period, but it was the Panthers who struck first. Off a face-off, Evan Gain’s wrist shot snuck past an unsuspecting Nathan Alalouf.

Troy Sutherland evened the score in the second period on a low shot that went through a screen of bodies past Spencer Kozlowski.

Knotted up at one after 40 minutes, the game was looking for a difference-maker in the final period. Richmond’s top line answered the call as a breakaway pass from Colasimone hit the tape of Kaczynski, whose wrist shot squeaked past Kozlowski.

Kaczynski notched another goal minutes later as he undressed a defender before rippling the mesh for his 40th goal of the season.

The top line put an exclamation point on a spectacular period in the final minute when Kaczynski deked through the Panthers defense before dishing off to Colasimone for a tap-in.

Alalouf made 27 saves as the Sockeyes defeated the Panthers, 4-2.

North Van comes to town next Thursday in a battle of the top dogs.

Shorthanded Sockeyes splash past Flames

It was a battle of the best and worst of their respective conferences when the Sockeyes hosted the Ridge Meadows Flames.

It was a short bench for both teams; the Flames had three players out to suspension. The Sockeyes were worse for wear as they had to play without three of their most potent goal scorers. Quinton Blois and Mac Colasimone were both out for injuries, while Troy Kaczynski was serving the first of a two-game suspension he earned with a check from behind against the Ice Hawks last Thursday.

Despite having the league’s worst road power-play, the Flames capitalised on their first man-advantage of the game. With Sutherland in the box for roughing, Boston Colley put home a rebound chance past Alalouf to open the scoring.

The Flames extended their lead in the 2nd period, when Halen Cordoni ripped up the left wing and sniped Alalouf top-left.

The Sockeyes power-play converted when Jordan andrews beat Kurt Klimek on a nifty feed from Trevor Lima. This brought Richmond within a goal, but only for a moment. The Flames rushed back up up the ice and Dale Howell finished it off to retake the two-goal lead.

That was it for Alalouf’s night, who allowed 3 goals on 16 shots.

Kurt Russell came into the game and held the Sockeyes in the game until Jake Wozney put a backhand from in tight upstairs to put the Sockeyes within one before the period expired.

With a scramble in front of the Flames net in the third, the puck squeaked back to the point. J. Andrews took a slapshot that went five-hole on Klimek to tie the game up at 3-3.

Sockeyes put heavy pressure on Klimek throughout the final 40 minutes but the Flames’ goaltender was on his game. He made two huge saves on clean breakaways from Brodie Crawford and Andrew Bissett to keep the game even.

Klimek ran into trouble when a scramble in front knocked his stick loose. With a defender’s stick in hand, a shot from Ryan Jones deflected off a Flames defender and past Klimek to put the Sockeyes up by one.

Wozney scored off a shot that looked a lot more like a pass. It bounced off a defender’s skate and snuck past Klimek to put the game away.

Kurt Russell was fantastic in relief, stopping all 12 shots he faced for the win. J. Andrews and Wozney each tallied twice to carry the shorthanded Sockeyes to victory, 5-3 the final.

Sockeyes stifled by Outlaws defense

In the first home game of the new year, the Sockeyes hoped they could extract some revenge on the Mission City Outlaws on Thursday night. The Outlaws scored three goals in under three minutes in their only other meeting this season en route to a 5-3 win.

Despite having played the previous night, the Sockeyes jumped out to a quick start, as Tyler Paterson tapped a pass from Troy Kaczynski into a gaping net under a minute into the game.

The pace of the game slowed drastically following the goal, as the period ended with the lone goal and only 13 total shots.

The Sockeyes have been juggernauts on the power-play this season, but it was the Outlaws who won the special teams battle. They killed off all five Sockeyes penalties, and scored a goal on the power-play when a point shot from Ram Brar deflected off Brody Dyck’s arm past Sockeyes tender Nathan Alalouf

Mission’s top line was dangerous throughout, and Bryce Pisiak scored his team-leading 28th and 29th goals of the season.

Down 3-1 in the final ten minutes of the game, the Sockeyes finally solved Bryce Phenix a second time when Kaczynski snapped a wrist shot along the ice under the Outlaws netminder.

With nine seconds remaining on the clock, and trailing 3-2, Kaczynski rushed up the ice after a defensive zone face-off win and split the defense for a breakaway. Phenix stayed with him, putting an exclamation point on a 30-save performance with a left pad save with only a single second remaining.

Richmond rallied late, but came up short as they dropped their 2nd home game to Mission this season with a final score of 3-2.

- Bailey Meadows

Kaczynski leads Sockeyes to victory over Knights

Having won three games in a row, the Richmond Sockeyes hosted the Langley Knights in a rare Monday night home game. The two teams are currently the two most offensive teams in the PJHL this season, though the Sockeyes have a much better defensive track record.

It was Langley’s offense that connected first, when Tristan Craighead slid one past the outstretched right pad of Nathan Alalouf midway through the first period. The Sockeyes attempted to equalize it before the intermission but Nick Trenciansky made two fabulous saves to keep his team ahead by a goal after 20 minutes.

Richmond’s offense took over in the middle frame. Outshooting the Knights 23-5 in the period, the Sockeyes got two goals from Matthew Bissett, both assisted by Daniel Oakley, to take the lead. The lead grew to 3-1 when Trenciansky misplayed a clearing attempt and the puck slid behind him.

In a back-and-forth battle, Langley clawed their way back in the third. Goals from Donovan Shambeau and Dylan McCann tied up the game early in the third. The game looked as though it would be heading to overtime, until Troy Kaczynski cut past a defender and sizzled a wrist shot bar down past the Knights goaltender with under four minutes to play.

Kaczynski sealed the deal during his next shift on a two-on-one with Tyler Andrews that he snapped home himself for his second goal (and third point) of the night.

The Sockeyes, led by Bissett, Oakley, and Kaczynski, mustered 46 shots on goal in the 5-3 win over the Langley Knights.

The Sockeyes have now won four in a row, and sit back atop the league standings, although North Van has four games in hand.

Richmond next plays on Thursday night when they host the Grandview Steelers.

- Bailey Meadows

Sockeyes annihilate Pilots

The Sockeyes hosted the Abbotsford Pilots on Thursday. The Sockeyes were looking for a second straight victory as they welcomed Troy Kaczynski, the league's leading scorer, back from injury.

It didn't take long for Kaczynski to get back on the score sheet. His shot along the ice was deflected in by Tyler Andrews just seven minutes into the game. A later Sockeyes power-play was capitalized on by Jake Wozney to put the Sockeyes up two after the opening frame.

Richmond picked up where they left off early in the 2nd period. The Kaczynski-Andrews-Colasimone line looked unstoppable throughout. First, Mac Colasimone finished off a pretty passing play with his line mates before putting one past Jacob Crawford. Colasimone later scored another goal on the power-play, also assisted by Kaczynski and Andrews.

Matthew Bissett also tallied before Crawford's night was cut short, allowing five goals on 14 shots. The goaltending change didn't spark anything for Abbotsford, as Daniel Oakley ripped one top corner past relief goaltender Alexander Kong.

The Sockeyes sat back on a more-than-comfortable lead in the 3rd, cruising to a 6-0 victory over the Pilots.

Nathan Alalouf was solid throughout the night, making 24 saves for the shutout. His best came at the end of the second period when a rebound shot was snared in tight with a quick glove.

The Pilots have now lost three straight, while the Sockeyes bump back up to 46 points, tied for first in the league.

Fish take out the Steelers

Coming off a loss against the Delta Ice Hawks, the Sockeyes tried to avoid losing back-to-back games for just the second time this season as they hosted the Granview Steelers.

It was a slow start for both teams as players struggled to find their legs early. A penalty to Jordan Hall opened up the game halfway through the period as Troy Kaczynski scored on the power-play. A pretty passing play with Mac Colasimone led to the second goal in under 20 seconds for Kaczynski. The Steelers responded with high physical play, landing multiple huge hits in the final minutes of the 1st. The Sockeyes didn't seem too phased as Quinton Blois netted another goal for Richmond with only 1.3 seconds to play in the period, stretching the lead to three.

Jordan Andrews threw a big hit early in the second along the boards on Lucas Zenone, who was slow to get up. That sparked even more physical play from the Steelers, as they responded with several hits on the Sockeyes captain.

Blois showcased his hockey IQ midway through the period when he out-waited the Steelers defenders behind the net before feeding Brodie Crawford who finished off the brilliant play.

Grandview finally got on the board when a shot from Austin Campeau found its way through traffic to the back of the net to cut the Sockeyes lead back to three.

Grandview started the third period strong, accumulating more shots in the first five minutes of the third than they did in either of the other two periods. Grandview eventually capitalized on their opportunities but Sockeyes responded when Colasimone found Kaczynski who buried his third of the night.

Kaczynski has hat-tricks in back-to-back home games as Sockeyes added an empty netter to knock off the Steelers, 6-2.

- Bailey Meadows

Fish Swim Upstream, Pull Off Huge Comeback

Wrapping up their third game in four nights, the Sockeyes played the Langley Knights for the second time in that stretch on Thursday night. Langley came into Minoru Arena seeking revenge following their 5-3 loss to Richmond on November 3rd, and also coming in on a three-game losing streak.

Rookie Dylan McCann got the Knights off to a strong start with a shot that beat Fish goalie Kurt Russell five-hole just 80 seconds into the game.

The Sockeyes needed a win to force a tie with North Van for the league lead in points, although the Wolf Pack have two games in hand.

After Colin Catchpole put Langley up by two, Troy Kaczynski finished off a 2-on-1 with Tyler Paterson to put the Sockeyes on the board before the period ended.

Russell made his two best saves early in the second period when he followed up a solid kick save with a flashy glove save while sliding to his left. He could only hold off the Knights for so long as goals from Jackson Surbey and Levi De Waal gave Langley a commanding three-goal lead. That spelled the end of Russell's night. He was replaced by Nathan Alalouf a few minutes before the 2nd period expired.

The Sockeyes awoke in the 3rd period, as early goals from Tyler Paterson and Kaczynski put Richmond within a goal.

Alalouf stopped all 11 shots he faced in regulation, his finest coming late in the third when he lunged to his left to deny the Knights on a cross-crease chance. That save proved to be key as Daniel Oakley tapped in a beautiful pass from CJ Young to tie the game with just over two minutes to play.

Alalouf was the star in the first overtime, making seven saves, including a remarkable desperation save on what looked like a sure goal for the Knights.

In the 3-on-3 second overtime, Kaczynski was high-sticked on a breakaway, and was awarded a penalty shot. With two goals on the night already, Kaczynski deked to his right before sliding the puck through the wickets of Nicholas Trenciansky to complete both the comeback and the hat-trick.

Sockeyes started out slow, but finished off strong, winning this thriller of a game.

Final score: Sockeyes: 5 Knights: 4 (OT)

- Bailey Meadows

Sockeyes Quench Flames

Having allowed 13 goals in their last three games, the Sockeyes looked to tighten up defensively in a game against the visiting Ridge Meadows Flames.

It didn't go off to a great start early as Jonathin Weloy scored for the Flames after a broken play in the Sockeyes zone just over three minutes into the game. Sockeyes responded midway through the period after a great offensive shift for the Sockeyes ended with the 2nd goal of the season for Evan Thomas. Sockeyes poured on the pressure late in the period despite taking the only three penalties of the period, racking up five shots in the final three minutes. The last of those five shots found the back of the net, as Daniel Oakley put one home with 16 seconds remaining in the period to put the Sockeyes up a goal heading into the first intermission.

The Sockeyes began the 2nd period with more penalties, their 4th, 5th, and 6th consecutive infractions. Fortunately their penalty kill outweighed their discipline as they killed off both to retain their one-goal lead. Sockeyes held a one-goal lead after 40 minutes, despite playing 12 of those minutes with only four skaters.

The newly-formed line of Bissett-Oakley-Thomas continued their dominance in the third. Kurt Russell was spectacular throughout, but he was at his best during the final minutes, making a glove save on a shot that was labeled for the top-right corner before an equally impressive left pad save. That bought the time for Tyler Andrews to bury an empty-net goal to put the game away.

Sockeyes overcame being shorthanded eight times to grind out a 3-1 win. Sockeyes head to Langley November 3 to play the Knights. That game will kick off a four day stretch in which the Sockeyes play three games, ending off next Thursday hosting the Knights.

- Bailey Meadows

Outlaws Upset Fish at the 'Ru

The Sockeyes battled the Mission Outlaws at Minoru Arena Thursday night. Coming off a disappointing 3-2 overtime defeat against the North Van Wolf Pack last Saturday, the Sockeyes were trying to avoid dropping back-to-back games.

Richmond's power-play continued its success early when Troy Kaczynski found the back of the net just four seconds into their first man-advantage of the game. Kurt Russell had a strong period, making ten saves in the first to keep the Sockeyes up a goal after 20 minutes.

Kaczynski created a turnover in the first minute of the 2nd before dishing a pass cross-crease to Tyler Paterson who scored to put the Sockeyes up by two. Bryce Phenix made a couple of huge glove saves to keep his team in the game. That proved to be the spark the Outlaws needed. Teams traded goals before a long-range wrister found a way past Russell onto the goal line before it was jammed home to pull the Outlaws within one. Outlaws took full advantage, scoring another two goals on Russell before Nathan Alalouf came in. The goaltending change seemed to change nothing as the Outlaws quickly tallied once more before the period ended to shock the Sockeyes and take a 5-3 lead.

Sockeyes came out looking to regain control of this game, but Phenix shut the door early in the period for the Outlaws. That bought enough time for the Outlaws to go up 6-3 on a goal that snuck under the arm of Alalouf. Kaczynski brought the Sockeyes within two when he scored his second goal and third point of the night. That was as close as the Sockeyes would come as they lose back-to-back games for the first time this season, despite outshooting Mission 34-27.

The Sockeyes will try to get back into the win column on Saturday when they visit the Port Moody Panthers.

- Bailey Meadows

Sockeyes Blast Panthers Again

The Sockeyes played host to the Port Moody Panthers Thursday night. A win for the Sockeyes would tie them for first place in the league, while the Panthers are still seeking their first win of the season.

The first period was similar to how the Sockeyes open nearly all of their games; controlling play. Panthers goaltender Spencer Kozlowski had to be sharp in the period to stop the barrage of Sockeyes shots throughout the period. After a quality scoring chance for the Panthers that rang off the crossbar, Matt Bissett finally beat Kozlowski on a jam play in front of the net. Kozlowski managed to stop all but one of the 17 shots he faced in the first period to keep his team in the game.

The Sockeyes finally began converting on some of their scoring chances in the second period. Bissett found the back of the net again, this time on the power play, and Paterson scored minutes later to give the Sockeyes a commanding 3-0 lead. Panthers Captain James Jerczynski tripped up Bissett later in the period which led to the first career goal for Ryan Jones (1/10/11). Tyler Andrews tripped up his man while already on the penalty kill, and the Panthers capitalized on the ensuing 5-on-3 to cut the Sockeyes lead to just three heading into the final period.

Tyler Andrews blasted a shot top shelf to open the third period, regaining the four-goal lead under a minute into the period. They did not stop there, as Blois and Kaczynski scored in rapid succession to put the game even farther away. The Sockeyes cruised the rest of the way, winning by a score of 7-1. The Panthers plummeted even farther into the league's basement, while the Sockeyes were reinstated to first place in the PJHL.

Wolfpack End Sockeyes' Home Win Streak

The Richmond Sockeyes took on the North Van Wolf Pack in a highly anticipated match-up Thursday night. With both teams tied at a league-leading 12 points, the winner of this game would claim lone possession of first place in the PJHL.

The Sockeyes struggled to find their stride in the first period as the Wolf Pack controlled play early on. Nathan Alalouf was sharp in the opening minutes to keep it scoreless, as the Sockeyes skaters struggled to maintain possession of the puck. A power play later on in the period gave the Sockeyes some life, as a beautiful passing play from Richmond's top unit was finished off by Tyler Andrews to open the scoring. Brodyn Neilsen finally capitalized on one of the Sockeyes many first period turnovers when he snapped one past Alalouf glove side to tie the game. North Van continued to press but Alalouf held the game even with a pair of fabulous toe saves in the final moments of the period.


Both Alalouf and Wolf Pack goaltender Nicholas Anderson had to make some tough stops early, as turnovers plagued both teams early in the period. The physical play picked up as the period wore on, with the Sockeyes collecting two more powerplays, but were unable to convert. Daniel Oakley finally claimed the lead for the Sockeyes when he banged home a rebound in the crease of Anderson for the tally. That was the difference maker as the Sockeyes held a 2-1 lead after two periods, backed by superb net-minding from Alalouf.

The final period started with high intensity and strong physical play from both teams. Some fantastic hand-eye coordination by Mitchell Crisanti to bat a puck out of the air past Alalouf. The refs made no initial call on the play, but eventually ruled it a goal, which sparked anger from the Sockeyes bench. Daniel Tait tallied for the Wolf Pack later in the period to send the Sockeyes to their first 3rd period deficit at home this season. The Sockeyes pressed hard for an equalizer in the final minutes, but a Troy Kaczynski shot off the crossbar was as close as they would come as the Sockeyes lost their first game at home this season; a narrow 3-2 defeat.

- Bailey Meadows

Sockeyes keep rolling at home, blow away Port Moody

It was the third game in five days for the Sockeyes, who hosted the Port Moody Panthers. The Sockeyes come in boasting the best record in the Tom Shaw Conference at 5-1, while the Panthers arrived in dead last and winless.

The fatigue from their busy schedules seemed to be setting in for both teams early on. The first powerplay for the Sockeyes midway through the period sparked play, as the Sockeyes generated multiple scoring chances on the opportunity. Danny Oakley scored only minutes later at even strength before Mac Colasimone added another one on the Sockeyes second powerplay of the period. Kurt Russell was solid throughout the period, making 13 saves.

Adam Rota got the Panthers on the board in style when he broke past two defenders and beat Kurt Russell for the highlight reel goal to make it 2-1. The Sockeyes, as usual, had an answer as Tyler Paterson scored only seconds later to regain the two-goal lead for Richmond. A goal by C.J. Young right after a power play expired and a dazzling move later in the period by Kaczynski led to a 5-1 lead for the Sockeyes after two periods of play.

The Sockeyes continued their dominance in the third, heavily outshooting the Panthers. Kaczynski appeared to have his second of the night when he tapped home a great pass from Colasimone but the goal was waved off due to the net being knocked off. That didn't stop the duo as Kaczynski tapped home an almost identical goal off a pass from Colasimone only minutes later. Richmond held that lead for the remainder of the game, and Kurt Russell had a spectacular performance, making 26 saves as the Sockeyes cruised to another convincing win at home.

- Bailey Meadows

Sockeyes Send Pilots Flying Back to Abbotsford

The Richmond Sockeyes played the struggling Abbotsford Pilots Thursday night. The Pilots came into the game on a 3-game losing streak while the Sockeyes were just one game removed from the 7-1 thrashing they handed out to last year's PJHL champs, the Aldergrove Kodiaks.

Abbotsford used their physical play to their advantage in the first when a big hit along the boards opened up a scoring chance that Mitchell Plevy capitalized on to give the Sockeyes their first deficit at home this season. That deficit lasted for about 8 seconds as Tyler Andrews rushed the puck in off the opening face-off and shovelled one past Jacob Crawford to tie it up. Troy Kaczynski added his 10th goal of the season only 2 minutes later to give the Sockeyes the lead. Abbotsford Captain Brady Lawlor tied it up later on in the period on a marvellous post-and-in shot. Lawlor later received a checking to the head penalty, and a 10 minute misconduct. Lima scored on a point shot during that power play that found it's way in the goal which allowed Richmond a 3-2 lead after 1 period.

A quick 2nd period tally on the power play from Bissett led to a 4-2 lead, which they held comfortably throughout the bulk of the period. The Pilots strong physical play eventually led to a massive scrum after Paterson was taken hard into the boards. Kaczynski and Lima received penalties for the Sockeyes, while Methorst, Shergill, and Vander Wyk were penalized for the Pilots. The ensuing power play featured a lightning quick shot by Oakley that beat Crawford to give Richmond a 5-2 lead heading into the intermission.

It was a back and forth scoreless 3rd until Oakley threaded a perfect pass to Bissett, who made no mistake burying his 2nd goal of the game. Kurt Russell put an exclamation point on a fantastic night for the Sockeyes with a fantastic left pad save while sliding to his left, one of his 22 saves. Richmond finished the night 3/6 on the power play and 2/2 on the penalty kill as they blew past yet another team at home.

- Bailey Meadows

Bissett, Colasimone Lead Fish to Blowout

Thursday night saw a finals rematch as the Aldergrove Kodiaks visited The 'Ru, and the Sockeyes came in with something to prove after narrowly missing their 4th championship in 6 years.

An early high-sticking penalty by defenceman Jamieson Ree sent the Sockeyes to their first powerplay. A shot from Troy Kaczynski hit a defender in front and found its way to the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. Goals from Tyler Andrews and Matt Bissett led to a 3-0 Sockeyes lead and the end of the night for Kodiaks goaltender John Krentz just 5:15 into the 1st. Another goal from Bissett 3 minutes later on goaltender Griffin Baillie put the Sockeyes up 4-0, a lead they held for the remainder of the period.

Inevitably after a high-scoring 1st period, the 2nd period settled down considerably. Sockeye's centre Mac Colasimone broke the stalemate with a nifty move in tight before delivering a crisp backhand shot past Griffin Baillie for the 5-0 goal. Sockeye's call-up Quinten Paille (AP) played solid all night after facing single-digit shots in the first.

As the game wore on, it got progressively more chippy. A couple of early Aldergrove infractions led to 5-on-3's and a pair of goals for the Sockeyes as Bissett scored his third goal of the night and Colasmone scored his second. The Kodiaks added one on the powerplay when Jordan Andrews was called for crosschecking, breaking the shutout for Paille. That was the last of the scoring in this one as the Sockeyes thrashed the Kodiaks 7-1.

- Bailey Meadows

5 goal third period comeback leads to 8-6 Sockeyes win(Sockeyes win series 4-0)

This was without doubt the most entertaining, exciting, crazy, unbelievable game the Sockeyes have played all year. The Richmond Sockeyes were able to overcome 4-1, 5-2 & 6-3 deficits and score 5 unanswered goals in the third period to defeat the North Vancouver Wolf Pack 8-6 and take the Tom Shaw Finals series in a 4 game sweep.

Richmond has found ways to claw back in many games this year, but this one was the craziest. This game saw the return of Kootenay Alder after serving his 9 game suspension. He was a bit rusty to start the gave and he got pulled after letting in 5 goals on 17 shots. Kurt Russell had a late penalty shot goal in the third period to send Richmond to the dressing room after the second period with their heads hung low. But this is no ordinary Sockeyes team, this is a team which only lost 5 regulation games all year. Richmond came out firing on all cylinders to start the Third period. Richmond scored 3 goals in under a minute and a half to tie the game 6-6 with 14 minutes to go in the third period.

 Alder had replaced Kurt Russell to start the third period and he made a huge save when the score was 6-6. This allowed Richmond to breakout and Cole Plotnikoff wired a beautiful shot over the Wolf Pack netminder to give them their first lead of the game with 10 minutes left. Matthew Bissett would add another and the Sockeyes would run out the clock to claim their third Tom Shaw victory in the past 4 seasons. This truly was an absolutely unbelievably entertaining game by a team that showed true, heart, teamwork and resiliency.

A huge congratulations to the North Vancouver Wolf Pack on their season as they fought hard against the Sockeyes all series long. the first three games were all decided by one goal and two of them were in overtime. Either team could have taken this series.

The Sockeyes have no easy task ahead of them as they will have a short break before their first game against the Harold Brittain conference champion Aldergrove Kodiaks(defeated the Abbotsford Pilots 4-1 in Harold Brittain final). This is a rematch of last years PJHL final which saw the Sockeyes skate away with a 4-0 series sweep. This championship series will be much different, the Kodiaks team this year is extremely talented with numerous offensive weapons. Richmond will have to be on their a-game all series long to defeat the Kodiaks. The PJHL final schedule will be posted soon.

Sockeyes win 4-3 in OT as Scobie nets two goals and the game winner(Sockeyes lead series 3-0)

Michael Scobie had one heck of a game for the Richmond Sockeyes as he scored two goals and had the game inner in double OT to lift the Sockeyes to a 4-3 game three win. Richmond will now have a chance to sweep the North Van Wolf Pack on Wednesday in North Van as the Sockeyes now have a 3-0 series lead. The series has been much closer than the series would indicate as all three games have been decided by a 4-3 score, two of them in overtime. Kurt Russell made 36 saves for his 9th straight win and 7th straight post-season win. Anders Ten Vaanholt replaced Braden Krogfoss in game three and he made 40 saves on 44 shots. Richmond will now look to head to their second straight PJHL final with a win over North Van at the Harry Jarome arena March 12th at 7pm.

Sockeyes win a tight game in North Van 4-3(Sockeyes lead series 2-0)

The Richmond sockeyes had a tremendous first period scoring 3 goals, 2 of them off turnovers and were able to pick up one more in the second period in order to skate away from the Harry Jarome Arena in North Vancouver with a 4-3 win. North Van had a lot of great chances in the third period including a disallowed goal but it just wasn't enough as Richmond held on for the 2-0 Series lead. Liam Lawson scored the game winner and Kurt Russell made 26 saves and won his 8th straight game and sixth straight in the post-season. Richmond also got goal from, Oakley, MacDonald and Wesley. Richmond will now play game three at home at the Minoru Arena Sunday March 9th at 6pm and will try to take a stranglehold on the series.

Sockeyes trump Steelers 7-2(Sockeyes win series 4-0)

The Richmond Sockeyes are moving onto the second round after defeating the Grandview Steelers by a 7-2 score in game four. Richmond swept the series and outscored their Tom Shaw opponents 19-6 in the four game sweep. Ayden MacDonald and Jake Wozney had two goals a piece with Wozney getting the game winner in the second period. Kurt Russell picked up his sixth straight win. Richmond will now face the winner of the North Van Wolf Pack and Delta Ice Hawks series.

Matt Bissett opens the scoring for the Sockeyes in game four.

Ian Bennett gets his first of the playoffs as the puck finds its way in the net for the 2-0 lead.

Jkae Wozney with the blast from the point. This would be the eventual game and series clinching goal.

Ayden MacDonald scores just 22 seconds into the third period.

MacDonald scores his second of the game against the Steelers for a 5-2 lead.

Patey scores for the Sockeyes to make it 6-2.

Jake Wozney gets his second of the game as the Sockeyes take a 7-2 lead.