The Richmond Sockeyes needed only the minimum four games to bring the season to an end for the North Delta Devils. Richmond, the first place team in the Tom Shaw Conference of the Pacific International Hockey League, outscored the fourth place Devils 20-7 in four games, sweeping their best-of-seven Pacific International Junior Hockey League quarterfinal series. Richmond completed the sweep with three wins in as many nights, allowing just three goals against in 180 minutes of hockey. The Devils outshot Richmond 33-31 in game two Thursday night at the Richmond Arena, but after taking a 1-0 lead early in the second period on a goal from Adam Nathwani and holding the lead until the midway point of the game, lost 2-1. The Sockeyes pulled even with seven minutes left to play in the second period, and got the winner 12 minutes into the final frame. Game three Friday night, also in Richmond, was no contest and ended in an 8-1 Richmond win. The Sockeyes fired 54 shots at the North Delta goal, and although starting netminder Alex Wind kept the score 1-0 after 20 minutes, the game was blown open in the second period. Julius Ho was given a major penalty for kneeing, and by the time he got out of the penalty box, Richmond had scored four powerplay goals for a 6-0 lead. Adam Nishi was North Delta’s goal scorer, tallying with just six minutes to play. The Devils did their best to extend their season beyond Saturday night at the Sungod Arena in North Delta, outshooting Richmond 40-32, but managing only a second period goal from Nathwani in a 2-1 loss. Richmond led 1-0 after one period, and got the winner with just 71 seconds to play in the third period.

Surrey Now Leader