Richmond Devils are off to a solid start in the South Coast Female Amateur Hockey League (SCFAHL) and it could be even better if they find a way to come out of the gate quicker.
The Devils will take a 5-3-3 record into Saturday night’s key home tilt with the Fraser Valley Jets (8-5-2) at the Richmond Ice Centre. They will be looking to score in the opening period for the first time since late October — a stretch that goes back six games.
“I was joking the other day with my assistant coach that maybe we should get (the scorekeeper) to put a goal up on the scoreboard for our opponent before the game has even started,” laughed Richmond head coach Tony Cheema. “For whatever reason, we are just a different team when we are behind.
“Put some pressure on them and that’s when you really see what the Devils are all about. You will see the girls’ drive and really use our team speed which is one of our real strengths.
When the Devils do put 60 minutes together, Cheema is confident his squad can beat anyone in the eight team circuit.
The Ridge Meadow Moose are sailing along at the top of the standings with a 12-1-1 record and Richmond hasn’t seen them since a 3-2 exhibition win back in September. The teams will meet for real in a home-and-home series starting Sunday in Langley. The return match is Dec. 13 — the Devils’ final game before the holiday break.
“That is one I am really looking forward to,” continued Cheema. “They are very similar to us in that they rely on their speed as well. “They have certainly showed they can score goals this season.”
The Moose have somewhat bucked the league trend with 52 goals so far in 14 games. That’s 17 more than their nearest rival and 20 more than the Devils, who do enjoy three games in hand.
For the most part, the top teams teams have relied on stingy play for their success. Second place Kamloops have surrendered a mere seven goals in 13 games. Richmond also has a sparking defensive record with just 18 goals against to date.
“I think, generally, the goaltending is just better league wide. That is definitely the case with Kamloops who got their top goalie back and she has been outstanding for them. You also see teams with more depth on defence as well.”
The Devils’ blueline has been bolstered this season by three key additions. Chantal Despiegelaere and Arianna Castillo have joined the club from college hockey, while Ravens’ graduate Tamara Wong is with the team full-time after focusing on university last season.
The SCFAHL regular season continues until mid-March with the teams battling for spots into the provincial championships, slated for Kamloops.
