It might be considered the best rivalry in the Pacific International Junior Hockey League but so far it's been a onesided affair.
The Richmond Sockeyes made it four wins in as many tries against the Delta Ice Hawks with a 2-1 triumph at Minoru Arena. The result, coupled with Richmond's 3-2 road win over North Vancouver on Saturday night, opened up a six-point lead for the defending PIJHL champions atop the Tom Shaw Conference with a 23-3-0 record. They also enjoy a game in hand over the Ice Hawks (19-6-1-1) with the two teams slated to meet last night in Ladner.
Delta appeared to have all the momentum heading into the latest showdown, having won five straight games to pull within two points of the division lead and facing a Sockeyes team that was missing three of its top scorers - Kyzen Loo, Rudi Thorsteinson and rookie standout Justin Rai. But Richmond found a different way to win, silencing the Ice Hawks' high-powered attack thanks to a spirited effort and the 33-save performance of goaltender Jonah Imoo. The rookie stopper was at his best against Richmond native Aaron Merrick, denying him on a second period penalty shot and then robbing him on what like an easy tap in goal on a 2-on-1 break.
The game remained scoreless until midway through the third period when Kevan Killistoff put the hosts on the board. PIJHL leading scorer Spencer Traher tied the game with 3: 59 remaining but the Sockeyes responded just 74 seconds later when Carter Popoff beat goalie Alex Anhert with a power play goal.
Following last night's rematch, the teams are scheduled to meet only one more time (Feb. 14).
In North Vancouver, defenceman Dylan Smith's first goal of the season in the early stages of the third period provided the difference against the Wolf Pack.
Popoff and Killistoff had the other goals, while local product Kootenay Alder picked up the win in net.
The Sockeyes play their final game before the holiday break on Thursday when the Grandview Steelers visit Minoru Arena at 7: 30 p.m.
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