October ended with the Sockeyes holding top spot in the Pacific Junior Hockey League that has them focused on a game-to-game strategy rather than a season-ending one.
Playing against last season’s expansion team, the Port Coquitlam Trailblazers, they knew they would be hard pressed to pull out a win, but, in the end, managed an 8-2 victory.
Entering the game, the Sockeyes were back home after an overtime shootout loss to the Abbotsford Pilots that went down to the last Abby shooter getting the win for the home team.
Having days off builds confidence which allows time to reflect on set plays working on both their power play unit along with their penalty kill which in today’s game is essential to winning.
Po Co managed to get on the scoreboard at the 1:51 mark first, opening while on the power play.
This seemed to be a turning point and a wake-up call for the home team featuring more aggressive play.
Richmond replied with Callum Lind bringing the fans to their feet with Kai McComb and Bryce Stradt setting him up from the back end after a long stretch pass.
This was followed up with goals from Daniel Zhou at 5:25 and Callum Lind’s second of the game only to have Teo Lin complete the scoring on the power play, giving the Sockeyes a 4-1 lead at the 12:51 mark.
Port Coquitlam got their second goal of the period from Blake Van Straten at 16:43 that saw the first end with Richmond holding a 4-2 lead after 20 minutes that saw only one penalty to each club.
The second period started with the Sockeyes coming out with more jump.
Eithan Grishin got his second of the season at 4:32 with helpers going to Grant and Soares.
This opened the game that saw more of a fast, open-ice style of play from both teams. Richmond then got their second goal of the period with William Huo bringing the fans to their feet once again.
The second period saw the Trailblazers outshoot the Sockeyes by a 17-7 margin and 40-14 after 40 minutes.
The third period was all Richmond, with goals from Justin Grant at 6:36 followed by one from Gavin Sangara to round out the scoring that saw the Sockeyes manage an 8-2 win.
The Sockeyes play host to the Abbotsford Pilots at “The Fish Pond” Minoru Arena Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.
At the Nov. 16 home game, the Sockeyes will host the Ray Sawada Jersey Retirement night.
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