With a fresh face in net, the Richmond Sockeyes are getting set to renew their rivalry with the Delta Ice Hawks.
The top two teams in the Pacific International Junior Hockey League will meet for the third time this season on Thursday night at Minoru Arena (7: 30 p.m.). The Ice Hawks (14-2-0-1) own a four-point lead over Richmond (12-3-1-0) atop the TomShaw Conference, heading into play this week. Each club has won on the road in the season series, with Richmond producing a 4-1 victory in Ladner after being blanked at home.
"It's funny, their building seems better suited to our game and I think they are really comfortable playing here," said Ice Hawks head coach Dave McLellan. "We will definitely have to be a lot better than the last time we played them."
Sockeyes general manager Richard Petrowsky was busy last week shoring up his depth in goal after learning rookie Payton Lee was headed to the Western Hockey League's Vancouver Giants and possibly for good.
The 16-year-old Cranbrook native's time in Richmond was in jeopardy after he turned in a solid performance as a call-up in a 4-1 win over Victoria on Oct. 26.
An injury to veteran Liam Liston left the Giants little choice but to sign Lee who has been pegged as their goalie of the future.
He was in net for the Giants 6-3 victory over Kootenay on Saturday night.
Taking place Lee's spot on the Sockeyes roster is William Latimer who was acquired from the Mission City Outlaws for future considerations.
Latimer faced his former team a day as Richmond defeated the visiting Outlaws 41. He stopped 19 shots while Daniell Lange led the way offensively with a pair of goals. Derek Hughes and Stephen Campbell also scored, while Danton Heinen added three assists.
Icing...
Payton Lee was not the only former Sockeye making a difference for the Giants. Rookie Carter Popoff scored his first-ever WHL goal last week in Vancouver's road win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The Richmond Minor product signed with the Giants late last season after an impressive rookie campaign as a 16-year-old in the PIJHL.
