A new era for the Richmond Roadrunners Intermediate "A" Lacrosse program looks similar to the old one after opening the 2014 campaign with a pair of
impressive wins.
With Gord Frederickson making his debut behind the bench, Richmond began the B.C. Intermediate "A" Lacrosse League season with a 15-6 home victory over the Langley Thunder, then pulled away for a 13-10 road triumph against the Delta Islanders two nights later.
Fredreckson has taken over for Greg Rennie who guided Richmond to three consecutive provincial berths, highlighted by a silver medal finish last summer. He is now coaching in the B.C. Junior "A" Lacrosse League with the Delta Islanders.
Even with such snipers as Tyler Vogrig and Spencer Bromley graduating to the junior "A" ranks, the Roadrunners have so far shown they still have plenty of fire power in their line-up.
Jayden Campbell scored four times in the win over Langley then added five more against Delta. He also collected seven assists.
Richmond opened up a 5-2 first period lead against the Thunder, then added six more goals in the middle stanza to take full control.
Tevin Grant, Nick Jensen and Patrick Szabo each scored twice. Singles went to Tre Leclaire, Patrick Ludemann, Fox Nahanee, Matthew Sobey and Pearson Willis. Chandler Bradley was prominent in a playmaking role with four assists. Willis added three helpers. Graham Husick made 31 saves and even chipped in with a couple of assists.
At Sungod Arena, the game with Delta was a much tighter affair as Richmond outscored the hosts 4-2 in the final 20 minutes to secure the win. Erik Kratz was terrific in net, making 51 saves as his team rallied back from a 4-3 first period deficit.
Bradley had a big night with six points, including a hat trick. Jensen and Willis each scored twice. Ludemann had the other.
Damon Prince and Cooper Yates were credited with assists.
The Roadrunners return home next Wednesday to take on the New West Salmonbellies. Game time is 8 p.m. at Minoru Arenas.
