Ice Hawks down Sockeyes in OT
The top two teams in the Pacific Junior Hockey League faced off at the Ladner Leisure Centre Tuesday night, and it was the Delta Ice Hawks who came out on top.
The Ice Hawks defeated the Richmond Sockeyes 3-2 in overtime to draw within three points of the league-leading Sockeyes.
With just two games left in the regular season, and a game in hand on the Sockeyes, the Ice Hawks still have a chance to grab the top spot in the Tom Shaw Conference, and the PJHL. But they’ll need to win their two remaining games against the Mission City Outlaws and the North Vancouver Wolf Pack to do it, while Richmond will have to drop its final game of the season.
The Ice Hawks got out to an early lead Tuesday night at home, as they opened up a 2-0 lead on Richmond after 20 minutes of play, outshooting the visitors 15-7 in the process.
The Sockeyes weren’t done yet, however.
After a scoreless middle frame, Richmond was able to tie the game in the third with a pair of goals.
The teams headed to overtime, and four minutes into the extra frame, Anthony Brito scored the game-winner for the Ice Hawks, securing them the much-needed two points.
Alex Martin had two assists for the Ice Hawks and was named the game’s first star, while goalie Alexander Ahnert was named second star for his 33-save performance. Mak Barden and Ryan Procyshyn also had goals for Delta, while Grange Gordon and Aaron Merrick had assists.
While the Ice Hawks’ first round foes have yet to be determined, the team has already clinched home ice advantage.
The Ice Hawks’ first playoff game will be played at the Ladner Leisure Centre on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m., with their second home playoff game set for Sunday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.
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