The Richmond A1 Blues find themselves in familiar territory at the 31st annual Richmond International Midget Hockey Tournament.
Looking to become the first host team to win a championship in 16 years, the Blues have established themselves as major contenders in the "AAA" Division thanks to three straight victories to all but lock up a spot for today's playoff round.
Richmond was slated to face the Santa Clara Blackhawks last night to conclude preliminary play after blanking the Alaska U18AA Wolves 3-0 on Wednesday.
The locals were in a battle for top spot in the Ray Sawada Division with Colorado's Littleton Hawks as both teams entered the final day of round-robin action with perfect 3-0 records. The Colorado squad enjoyed a slight edge in the goal differential department but a second place finish might actually serve the Blues better.
They would still advance to this afternoon's quarterfinals and get to play in their regular home venue Minoru Arena which better serves their team speed.
Last year, Richmond advanced to the semi-finals before losing to a California team.
The Blues win over Alaska saw Chris Clute earn the shutout, while Mark Pearlman paced the attack with a goal and an assist, while Jeremy Chiang's first period marker stood up as the game winner. Connel Obrien also scored.
Two straight losses out of the gate all but deflated the A2 Blues hopes of earning a quarter-final berth.
They did rebound to defeat the Nanaimo Clippers 6-0 on Wednesday behind a four-point outing for Aric Combs.
Roman Pallone added a goal and two assists, while Leroy Ho scored twice.
The 58-team tournament wraps up Saturday at Minoru Arena's stadium rink with the three division (Major, AAA and AA) championship games, starting at 8: 30 a.m.
Up-to-date schedules can be found at midgethockeytournament.homestead.com.
