BC Hockey Juvenile Championship Game Final

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

March 25, 2012

In a re-run of last year's final, where the Richmond Blues beat the Seafair Islanders in overtime by a score of 4-3.  Seafair definitely will be coming into the game with a settle to score.

Richmond Blues who went through the Round Robin undefeated will be the home team in this tremendous game against their city rival the Seafair Islanders. Fans start to trickle in and I suspect it will be SRO here tonight.

You can feel the climax in the arena escalate as the players take to the ice. Watching the game were players from a few of the other teams in the Tournament as well as a few from Ridge Meadows (who were not in this year's Provincials). 

For some, this is their last hurrah in their minor hockey careers.  A twinge at the heart strings for those twenty year old's whom tonight will say farewell to minor hockey and move forward with their lives.

The first period starts in a fast pace. A complete defensive game is underway with no score entering the 14:00 minute mark.  The crowds are full of life and energy and are quite active in their support.

The first penalty of the game occurs at 3:10, with a two minute 'hooking' call on #9 Seafair. Players from both teams are blocking shots with their bodies. It is fairly easy to see that these boys are playing at the top of their abilities.

Tension building both on the ice and in the stands as the first period comes to an end with no score.  It is truly a spectacle to see such a large crowd for a Juvenile game. Perhaps, the 'lost boys of minor hockey' have really made it home.

The second period starts with Richmond wiring a beauty past Seafair net-minder #1 Tyson Leblanc at 15:31 to make it 1-0. Seafair steps up their game trying to tie up the game. 

The hits are adding up quickly for both benches. Seafair catches a break after the puck hits the post at the 10:00 minute mark to keep it 1-0 in favor of Richmond.

Blues find their way to the penalty box at 9:53 of the second with a 'hooking' call of their own.  Seafair continues to press deep in the Blue's territory but can't get anything past their goalie.  

Penalty for Seafair as #18 takes a two minute for 'hit to the head' giving Richmond a Power play late in the second.  With 33.5 seconds left on the clock in the second period, Seafair scores short-handed to tie it up at 1-1.

The third period starts with Richmond still on the Power Play for :58 seconds and the crowd is simply buzzing. A great penalty kill by the Islanders keeps it tied until the 14:48 mark when the Blues score a bobbler to make it 2-1.

Fever intensifies as the third period shrinks down and  Seafair is clearly rattled and desperately trying to score to stay in the game.  Richmond scores their third goal at 12:19 of the third period to extend their lead by 2. 

The third period is dominated by Richmond and the Islanders fall for the second year in a row 3-1. Richmond's win was their 3rd in a row for the BC Hockey Juvenile Championships.

Congratulations to all the participants in the Provincials and to the winners, the Richmond Blues!