Richmond A1 Blues continued an impressive start to their season by capturing South Delta Minor Hockey Association's 19th annual Tim Jardine Bantam Showcase last weekend.
The Blues entered the eight team event having just learned they had earned a promotion to the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association's top flight thanks to unbeaten run (70-1) in tier two play. They then proceeded to show why by rolling to six consecutive wins to take home gold.
Richmond opened the tournament bright and early Thursday morning with a 5-1 win over two-time defending champion and local rival Seafair Islanders. The Blues then clinched top spot in their pool with victories over the Vancouver Thunderbirds (5-1) and North Delta (5-2).
Richmond began the playoff round by making short work of winless Cloverdale (11-1), setting the stage for a semi-final rematch with the Islanders who were coming off a a 4-1 victory over Juan de Fuca. This time Seafair jumped out to a 3-0 lead before the Blues came roaring back for a 4-3 victory.
The perfect run was completed with a 6-2 win over the Thunderbirds in Sunday afternoon's championship game.
The Blues have relied on a balanced attack so far this season and this tournament was no exception. Through five games, Daniel Rubin led the team in scoring with eight points, including three goals. Devon Vorster was a force on the blueline with four goals and three assists. Other contributors included Michael Tilbury (3-4), Kyle Dosanjh (53), Paris Jeychandran (2-4), Jovan Jankovic (41), Andrew Kemp (2-3), James Houston (2-2), EJ Shaw (3-0), Mason Rai (1-1), Gabriel Mu (0-2), Trevor Bee (1-0), Evinds Jansons (1-0), Byron Leong (1-0), Owen Eagles (0-1) and Graham Lynn (0-1). Goaltenders Jordan Allen and Ghini Sy were solid throughout.
The Blues are coached by Phil Alalouf and assistant Govinda Gill.
Home games are typically on Thursday nights (7: 45 p.m.) at the Richmond Ice Centre's Forum rink.
The Blues were slated to open league play last night against perennial powerhouse Burnaby Winter Club - the defending provincial and Western Canadians champions.
