The Richmond Sockeyes will enter a three-game homestand with momentum after taking control of the Tunnel Cup series on Tuesday night.
Michael Araki-Young’s third period goal broke a 2-2 deadlock and sent the Sockeyes on their way to a 4-2 win over the Delta Ice Hawks at the Ladner Leisure Centre. The regulation victory gives Richmond a 4-3 advantage in aggregate points with a Jan. 9 meeting on home ice to conclude the season-long rivalry series.
Araki-Young’s goal came just 17-seconds after Mark Epshtein had put the hosts on even terms with his second of the night. Rookies took care of the rest of Richmond’s scoring with earlier goals from Ryan Watson and Mattias Hohlweg while Garrett Wicks added a power play insurance tally.
Braedy Euerby made 29 saves for the win.
The Sockeyes (17-8-1-3) get right back to work on Thursday (7 p.m.) when Mission City visits Minoru Arenas. They are right in the middle of what is shaping up to be a three-team dog fight for the final playoff spots in the Tom Shaw Conference. Richmond is two points back of second place Grandview with a game in hand and three clear of the fourth White Rock Whalers.
The Sockeyes will also host the Aldergrove Kodiaks in a special 6 p.m. Sunday start in their annual Teddy Bear Toss Game.
Fans can bring their own teddy bears to throw after the Sockeyes score their first goal or purchase one from Pet Smart at the arenas. All 50/50 proceeds and teddy bears will go to the Richmond Firefighters Burn Unit.
