Something has to give Wednesday night when two of the hottest teams in the Pacific International Junior Hockey League collide in Aldergrove.
The Richmond Sockeyes take a three-game win streak into the Fraser Valley city while the host Kodiaks have rolled off four straight victories that includes a 4-3 at Richmond on Oct. 17.
The Sockeyes closed within a single point of the Delta Ice Hawks for top spot in the Tom Shaw Conference with a 6-3 win over the North Delta Devils on Saturday night at Sungod Arena.
The visitors opened up a 3-0 lead on first period goals by John Wesley, Ayden McDonald and Richmond Minor alumni Jacob Wesley. The Devils answered with a pair in the second period before captain Adam Nishi answered for the Sockeyes.
After North Delta had once again pulled within a goal, MacDonald’s second of the night with 9:19 remaining provided some breathing room. Jackson Waniek closed out the scoring less than two minutes later. The 17-year-old Surrey native also chipped in with a pair of assists and now has five points in as many games since being acquired from Aldergrove for future considerations earlier this month.
Nishi also enjoyed a three point night, while Cole Plotnikoff chipped in with a pair of assists. Kootenay Alder made 27 saves for the win as Richmond outshot the Devils 52-30.
Two nights earlier, Richmond scored four unanswered second period goals en route to a 5-2 home ice win over the Ridge Meadows Flames.
Trailing 1-0, Waniek began the outburst with a power play tally. MacDonald then notched a pair and Mac Colasimone made it 4-1.
Waniek closed out the scoring with his second of the night in the early stages of the third period. Matthew Bissett notched a pair of assists, while Kurt Russell made 28 saves.
After traveling to Aldergrove, the Sockeyes (8-2-1-2) return home Halloween night to host the North Vancouver Wolf Pack at 7 p.m. The Wolf Pack’s roster features former Sockeye Daniel Tait who was traded for future considerations back on Oct. 19.
