Sockeyes reel in Steelers for first win

Swanson's three points sets off offensive surge

Maurice Lambert was convinced Richmond Sockeyes were better than their 0-4 record suggested.
Sunday night at Trout Lake they proved it.
Finally enjoying a little of that old puck luck, Sockeyes smothered previously-unbeaten (5-0) Grandview Steelers 7-2 to record their first Pacific International Junior Hockey League victory of the young season.
"The puck went in the net for a change," lamented the Sockeyes' head coach.
"We're playing smarter all the time and the powerplay is scoring some goals now too."
All four Richmond goals were scored with the man-advantage in a 5-4 loss to Abbotsford last Thursday, and two more came versus Grandview.
Aside from typical reminders like picking up their checks, Lambert says the coaching staff had little new in its pre-game lecture to the Sockeyes.
"I guess the more reminders the better chance you have of them sinking in. I suspect too that (Grandview) took us for granted."
Lambert says he wasn't concerned about Richmond not having a won a game until Sunday, but admits he was worried the confidence of some players might have begun to be challenged.
"You have to mindful that we had a group of strangers out there getting to know each other and themselves a bit better. Each game you could see signs that they were trying to do things we were asking and getting better."
Veteran goaltender Jeff Gaudette turned in a strong showing with 23 saves against Grandview, while Brad Swanson and Shawn Clark both impressed Lambert with their overall play.
EYE BROWSE: Former Sockeye goaltender Judd Lambert was assigned to New Jersey's top farm team Friday in Albany, N.Y. He was in goal for the team's 2-1 AHL win over Worcester on Saturday...'Eyes next game is 7:45 p.m. Thursday versus North Shore at Minoru...

FOOTBALL

Tolhurst draws task of containing Pontes

What happens when two of the province's top high school football players go head-to-head?
That question will be answered Friday night at Minoru Park when Andrew Tolhurst and the Richmond Colts meet Gary Pontes and the Holy Cross Crusaders. Game time is 7:30.
Tolhurst has drawn the unenviable job of trying to contain Pontes, generally regarded in gridiron circles as one of the best tailbacks in his age group in the game. He recently ran roughshod over both West Vancouver and Centennial.
"(Pontes) has allowed them to change from a conservative offence to running a lot of new formats," says Richmond head coach Jeff Lochbaum. "And Holy Cross throws the ball well enough to make you have to pay special attention by creating a lot of one-on-ones."
Friday's game is going to challenge Richmond's best athletes, he suggests.
"One of the advantages we should have is that they're quite shallow with only 12 kids. Everyone who plays defence also plays offence. Maybe we can wear them down."
Richmond had little trouble wearing down their opponents last weekend, blanking West Vancouver 29-0. But the only really satisfying element was that everyone got a chance to play, Lochbaum says.
Tolhurst demonstrated his rushing skills gaining 229 yards on 19 carries and one TD. Other majors were scored by Rally Rai, Ed Kaiser, and Allen Kiernan.