The Richmond Blues tuned up for the upcoming Richmond International Midget Hockey Tournament with a big win in the desert.
The local AAA rep team traveled south where it captured the 11th annual Arizona Hockey Clubs Thanksgiving Shootout.
Richmond's road to gold began with a 3-1 win over the Phoenix U16 AAA Firebirds. Another tight checking contest followed as the Blues slipped past the California U16 AAA Heat 2-1.
The locals then skated to a decisive 6-1 triumph over the U16 AAA Junior Coyotes. A berth in the championship game was secured with a 6-1 semi-final win against the AHSA Premier Scorpions.
The final was a rematch with the Heat but this time the Richmond attack was in high gear, posting a 6-2 win. The Blues took control of this game early by outscoring California 4-1 in the opening period. Chris Clute turned aside 23 shots to get the win as his team outshot the Heat 33-25.
The Blues not only took top honours but allowed the least goals in the tournament and the fewest penalty minutes.
Mark Pearlman led all scorers with 12 points, including six goals. Elvis Jansons also had a productive weekend with four goals and five assists, while Alex Whitwham added three goals and five assists. Jeremy Chiang finished with three goals, while other Richmond scorers included: Nick Deputter, Shawn Hanley, Justin De Graauw, Connell O'Brien, Bryan MacAulay, Ryan Vorster and Hugh Chow.
The team also includes Tony Yang, Travis Ingram, Manny Chong, Connor Mcwilliams and goalie Brodie Burdeny, who allowed just two goals against in his two starts.
The Blues are coached by Norm MacAulay.
