Viva, Las Vegas

Don Fennell, sports editor

Even Rick Whiting seemed a little surprised by the margin of victory.

Having trained feverishly by running about 100 kilometres a week for the last several months, the veteran Richmond marathoner expected to do well at the International Las Vegas Half Marathon last weekend.

But he didn’t anticipate blowing away the field, winning the race in 1:22.53 - nearly three-and-a-half minutes ahead of second-place finisher Edward Hernandez of New Mexico. Gary Reddaway of Oregon City was third in 1:26.33.

“I actually ran the first 10 kilometres in 37:48 which is faster than I’ve run a 10k race this year,” said Whiting, 63.

Hernandez, who is considered one of the premier men’s distance runners in the world, stayed close for the first nine or so kilometres but couldn’t sustain the fast pace set by Whiting and burned out shortly after. Whiting completed the opening five kilometres in a blistering 18:35.

“I didn’t realize Hernandez was running so I was really pleased to beat him so convincingly,” Whiting said. “I expected him to push the pace but he didn’t respond and I was feeling really good although afterwards my calf muscles felt sore.”

This was Whiting’s fourth victory in the Las Vegas Half Marathon since his first in 1994. He said the fact the race begins in the desert while still dark (6:30 a.m.) is “good incentive to run fast.”

The race attracted some 8,000 runners representing all corners of the globe and every U.S. state.

Whiting doesn’t know what he can do for an encore, but hopes to run some eight and 10ks and perhaps the Penticton Half Marathon May 20. And he isn’t wasting any time getting ready. On Monday afternoon, only hours after returning from Las Vegas, he ran about nine kilometres along the dyke.

Kidney at the heart of Fairview’s offence

One of the more noteworthy tilts in the Richmond Senior Soccer League last Sunday featured two teams at opposite ends of the table.

But on this day at least the underdogs prevailed, as Fairview Automotive earned two much-needed points to avoid being relegated to the Second Division edging Subway, fighting for First Division supremacy, 4-3.

“We knew wins would be tough to get this year being that we are new to Division one,” says Fairview manager Noel Estacio. “Our number-one goal is to ensure we don’t get relegated. Naturally, you want to finish as high in the standings as possible but the first year is usually the toughest. Good teams like the Ravens struggled for the first few years but were able to add some players and now they’re the best team in here. We’re striving to be like the Ravens.”

Fairview opened the scoring on a great individual effort by Grant Moffatt, who beat two defenders and hammered a shot past the keeper in the first half. Within 10 minutes Dal Nagra had tied the game for Subway, but Fairview maintained their poise and regained the lead on a goal from left back George Estacio who made a quick run from the back line. Estacio took a good pass from Doug Kidney and tucked the ball under the challenging keeper. Shortly after, Kidney himself took over the offense and potted two goals to put Fairview up 4-2 heading into the intermission.

Subway came out firing to start the second half and got a goal from Marco Felicella. But thanks to a strong defensive effort from Donnie Loy, Matt Lydall, Pat Naughton and Ed Moffat it was as close as Subway would get.

The first half of the season was a tough one for Fairview but the past three games have given them renewed hope of not being relegated at the end of the season.

In other First Division play, Hammerheads opened up a five-point lead over the Ravens with a surprisingly lopsided 7-1 win over the latter Sunday. Steveston Clippers took advantage of the result to pull to within a point of the second-place Ravens, with a game in hand, by blanking the Islanders 3-0. And the Celtic doubled Cruceiro 4-2 and Flying Beavers topped Cosmos 6-3.

The Dragons moved into a first-place tie in the Second Division with West Richmond following a 4-0 win over Legend Soarer Sunday. Dragons earlier tied the Old Boys 1-1 in a mid-week make up game. West Richmond lost only its third game in 17 starts 2-1 to the Old Boys Sunday.

Elsewhere, the Wrestlers missed an opportunity to make it a three-way tie for top spot falling 5-2 to Sun Ho Yuen, while Brunners edged Steelers 3-2, United blanked Hawks 1-0 and Rovers B topped Cell City 5-2.

Legends Firefighters continued their reign atop the Premier Division with a 3-1 win over Shamrock Rovers, Town doubled Club India 4-2, All-Blacks pulled to within three points of the league leaders with a 5-2 win over Garage Pub, Autobody doubled Ashton Mechanical 2-1 and Britcom Bucks blanked the Fury 3-0.

Blues firing on all cylinders

The Watson Dauphinee Masuch Blues are a lot like their National Hockey League namesakes: full strength or shorthanded they play with the same passion all the time.

And like the pros, the Richmond Midget B1s' game plan is meeting with success as the locals rounded off the final quarter of their regular season with a respectable 4-1 showing to earn a five-way tie for first place at 11-5-3.

Predictably, coach A.J. Sander is elated with his players' consistent effort, suggesting they may be maturing at the opportune time heading into the playoffs.

"We have had balanced scoring among the forwards and defense all season long," Sander said. "And going into the playoffs we need strong defensive play and solid goaltending. We are working toward these goals."

The Blues showed both patience and resolve to down Seattle Sno Kings 5-1 recently, overcoming an early 1-0 deficit in the process. Jag Bal, Andrew Yaworski, Wes Passchier, Todd Iverson and Calvin Wong scored goals for Richmond and Robin Ng, Nolan Phillips and Cam MacLeod did a great job of back checking.

In a see-saw battle with Seattle Juniors in which the lead changed hands several times, Richmond was able to gut out a 6-5 win. And in yet another cliffhanger, defenceman Bal scored three goals, including the winner with two minutes to go, as the locals edged the Vancouver Thunder-birds.

In their only loss to nemesis North Van, a shorthanded Blues struggled to maintain pace in a 5-3 setback but still fought to the end with North Van's final goal coming with the Richmond net empty for six attackers.

"We made four mistakes all game and they managed to capitalize on each of them," explained Sander.

Defencemen Kevin Buchanan and Jeff Kuznik were both workhorses in front of goalie Aaron Appelbaum in the game.

In the final game of the season, Richmond scored two shorthanded goals in pulling out a 5-3 win at Semiahmoo. Passchier scored a beautiful insurance goal breaking in from the blueline and putting the puck top shelf. Chris Michael and Iverson also had strong games on the blueline, while goalie Tyler Little made several fine stops.

Richmond foursomes hot heading to provincials

Don Fennell, sports editor

Just two weeks after Shelley MacDonald won the provincial Scott Tournament of Hearts ladies’ curling championship, two more Richmond Winter Club foursomes are vying for top honours at the Safeway Select B.C. Men’s Curling Championship on through Sunday in Kamloops.

Al Roemer earned the coveted top seed at the provincials by going unbeaten in four games at last weekend’s Pacific Coast finals at the Richmond Winter Club, while Brent Giles claimed the third seed. Also qualifying were Richmond’s Greg McAulay, the defending world champion who curls out of the Royal City club, and Victoria’s Dean Joanisse.

Roemer scored one in the 11th end to defeat Brian Gessner 8-7 in the A final, after Gessner had forced the extra end by scoring once in each of the ninth and 10th ends. Gessner was also edged in the B event qualifier 7-6 by McAulay, and in the C event by Giles 9-5. Joanisse defeated Victoria clubmate Mike Wood 7-2 in the final B.C. qualifier.

Besides Roemer and Giles, two other Richmond Winter Club rinks competed at the Coast playdowns. Club manager Doug Bradley saw his dreams of reaching the provincials dashed Saturday by an 8-2 loss to Victoria’s Jody Epp in draw five, while Craig Lepine was eliminated by a 7-6 extra-end loss to Gessner in the B semis.

“One of the challenges was making sure we had time to practise,” Bradley said. “But we played pretty well.”

Although this is Roemer’s first appearance in the provincial championships in some time, he is no stranger to success having won the B.C. men’s title in 1982 and subsequently two mixed titles. Third Ted Stanyer skipped a team at last year’s provincials and second Darin Fenton and lead Ross Graham also both have championship experience.

Giles, who returns to the provincials for the first time since 1993 when he lost to Rick Folk, has plenty of experience on side including four-time Brier competitor Ron Thompson, former mixed champion Bill Fisher and seasoned veteran Ken Maskiewich.

McAulay, who won nearly everything last season, continues to roll having won more than $34,000 on the world cashpiel circuit. After dropping his opening game at the Coasts, McAulay reeled off five straight wins to earned the B title.

“This was one of the best fields we’ve had (at the Coasts) in a long time,” Giles said. “We had been struggling most of the year in cashspiels but we played pretty well here at the right time. I hope we can keep it going.”

SHE’S GOT THE COACHING BUG

Don Fennell, sports editor

Once more, a member of the Castor clan has caught the coaching bug. Following in the footsteps of her dad and an older sister, Nicole, both bench bosses in ringette, Tammy Castor now finds herself on the sidelines. But in this case basketball’s the game.

“I thought it would be fun,” says Castor, at 18 one of the youngest coaches in the Richmond Secondary Schools bantam girls’ league and less than a year removed from playing herself. Last season, she and associate coach Alejandro Sorto were members of the Richmond Colts senior team and Castor says it’s “especially sweet” to now be coaching at Richmond High.

“I love basketball and I love the competition,” she says. “And when Tanya (senior girls’ coach Kippan) asked if anyone wanted to coach the eights, that they needed some help, I didn’t hesitate at all.”

Being only a few years older than the players has actually been an advantage, says Castor.

“I’m very disciplined and have a lot of rules and high expectations. But I try to explain that I’ve been there and they don’t seem to complain that much.”

While it may sound like Castor is demanding, she says she’s actually more of a player’s coach than anything and is only interested in passing on what she’s learned to help her players get a feel and understanding for the game.

And the young Colts, who have eagerly bought into Castor’s methodology, have been rewarded with a very successful season. They currently top the standings (tied with Steveston Packers) with a 7-1 mark and seem likely to represent Richmond at the district playdowns.

“The team is very talented and has worked very hard; they never give up,” Castor explains. “And that’s really helped.”

Kippan isn’t surprised the bantams are having a successful season with Castor and Sorto at the helm.

“Tammy has a natural aggressiveness and desire to win. Alejandra is perhaps more focused on skill but they’re both leaders and there’s a nice balance between the two,” she says. “It’s great to get some alumni back but unfortunately for us this may be Tammy’s only year with us. She’s looking at possibly moving and that would be a big loss especially when there’s such a high turnover rate among coaches and not a lot of teacher/coaches as there once were. These are two girls who can hop into any situation and take control of it.”

Kippan, who in her late 20s still isn’t much older than the senior players, says being young helps in relating to the girls and having a lot in common with them. But at the same time there is more room for disappointment.

“If you put the time and effort in and don’t have the commitment from the players you can take it personally,” Kippan says. “But this a good group of girls who want to do well - just like their coach.”

TWIN SPIN

Don Fennell, sports editor

As far as Michelle and Melissa Alblas are concerned, they’re just your average teens.

But how many Grade 11s do you know who sport 4.0 grade point averages and are key members of their senior girls’ basketball and volleyball teams?

“They just find a way to get it done,” Cambie vice-principal Jim McLeod says of the twins. “They’re winners.”

McLeod, who coached the pair last season as members of the Crusaders’ junior hoops team, says the pair are incredibly grounded as well as talented. They were instrumental in Cambie reaching the district playoffs, where Melissa hitting a pair of free throws with no time left to force overtime against Balmoral, a game they eventually lost in double overtime.

“They’re very intelligent on the floor and insightful. They see the game well and what’s there and they’re very coachable. If you stop and show them something once they’ll have filed it. They may not say much but don’t think for a moment they’re not passionate.”

Current coach Jim Donaldson is equally impressed by the Alblas’ skill and attitude, adding their quiet nature reflects that of the team.

“They’re really focused and smart and seem to apply themselves to every task as it comes along. And they set high standards.”

Donaldson also notes Michelle is quite artistic, having put together an impressive-looking book highlighting the team’s recent trip to California.

The Alblas’ approach to almost everything they pursue is summed up by Melissa when she says “we have a passion for the game and give it all no matter what. It’s just one game and we want to win it so why not go hard until it’s over.”

“We want to do well for our teammates,” adds Michelle, who says they are fortunate to be part of a team with similar drive.

“Our players show up ready to play.”

The Alblases, who began playing hoops in Grade 5 and volleyball a couple years later, say participating in sport offers them a nice break from their studies.

“Athletics helps you know you have to get it done. If it weren’t for sport we might just sit there having all day (to do something). And it’s pretty easy to balance sport with academics,” says Melissa.

“I see ourselves continuing to be involved in athletics (for some time). And I’d like to maybe come and coach again. Lots of coaches have given us time and it would be nice to give something back.”

They’re already doing just that, joining teammate Randi French

during the Christmas break to help McLeod coach a group of up-and-comers.

“They were excellent with the younger ones especially, who really looked up to them,” says McLeod, whose only disappointment is the twins can’t be duplicated.

Richmond rinks aim for provincial berths

Don Fennell, sports editor

Defending B.C., Canadian and world champion Greg McAulay of Richmond heads a strong local presence at this

weekend’s Safeway Select Pacific Coast Men’s Curling Championship at Richmond Winter Club.

The McAulay rink, which received a bye into this year’s Coast playdown, has won more than $100,000 on the world tour and in skins games this season.

Richmond is also represented by Brent Giles, Al Roemer, Craig Lepine and winter club manager Doug Bradley. The 1974 B.C. junior men’s champion, Bradley last weekend won the final open zone berth downing last year’s “A” winner Ken Watson 9-3 with a couple four-enders in the seven-end game.

“We’re curling really well,” said Bradley, who unlike third Mark Olson, second Andrew Paul and lead David Leclair hadn’t curled competitively much in the last few seasons prior to forming the team in November.

“Certainly the calibre is very good but we’ve got a fairly solid rink and I think we’ve got a good shot at picking up one of the four spots (to qualify for provincials Feb. 7 to 11 in Kamloops).”

Bradley said he’s fortunate to be part of an excellent organizing committee headed by Murray Sisler, allowing him to concentrate on curling during the playdowns which begin tomorrow with draws at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday’s draws are 9 a.m., 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday’s at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Almost a third of the 16 Mainland and Island teams are former B.C. champions in men’s, junior men’s and mixed play and several have won Canadian titles.

Giles returns with last year’s team intact (third Ron Thompson, second Ken Maskiewich and lead Bill Fisher), while Roemer has a new look with Ted Stanyer at third, Darin Fenton second and Ross Graham lead. Lepine, the 1996 B.C. mixed champion, will have Bruce Wilson at third, Randie Shen at second and Peter Watt at lead.

While any of the field is capable of qualifying for the B.C.’s, most curling pundits expect at least two of those spots to be gobbled up by McAulay and Victoria’s Dean Joanisse.

• The final winners of the PCCA quiz, which has appeared in The Richmond Review during the last month, are: Matthew Miller, Bev Oldham, Brandy Graham, Maurice Wong, and Gerry Folstad.

MacDonald scoops up provincial title; now it’s off to the nats

Don Fennell, Sports Editor

With Kelly Law’s automatic berth to the Scott Tournament of Hearts (national women’s curling championship) Feb. 17 to 25 at Sudbury, Ont. another local rink has stepped to the forefront.

Shelley MacDonald’s Richmond Winter Club foursome will also be making the trek east after winning the B.C. title Sunday 7-6 in 11 ends over Marla Mallett. Mallett, who previously curled with Law as Marla Geiger, edged Jody Green in the semifinal. MacDonald, Mallett and Green tied for top spot at 7-2 during round-robin play.

Lisa Whittaker plays third for MacDonald, Adina Tasaka second and Jacyln Brown lead.

MacDonald has participated in Richmond’s Super League for three seasons, a fact Richmond Winter Club manager Doug Bradley says has helped immensely.

“The team has worked hard the last few years and matured with the good competition. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them (make a good run at the Scott).”

MacDonald will be honoured at a special reception 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the club.

Golgis take out anger on stunned Nighthawks

After dropping a two-point game to Planet Fitness last weekend, the Golgis took their anger out of the Nighthawks Sunday in a lopsided West Coast hoops victory.

Until halftime the two teams appeared to be sharing control, but the second half soon produced a different impression as the Golgis put together a series of six- to 10-point runs to break the game open. Thanks to balanced scoring with Scott Elliot and Rick Meish leading the way with 26 and 22 points apiece, the Golgis demolished the Nighthawks 106-69. Alex Christiansen and Antoine Jones hit for 31 and 18 points in the loss.

Although hitting for a league-high 64 points a week ago was rewarding, Dana Maslovat preferred his team just win. But again without two main players in Paul Cohee and Rick Gill, the Rim Gods came up short in a 106-84 loss to the Meralomas.

Sporting a .500 record and another week of getting use to playing with Richard Anderson, the Lomas are looking to improve their place in the standings come playoff time. But despite an obvious size advantage they managed only a 15-point lead over the Rim Gods at the break.

As with the Golgis’ game though, the Meralomas proved too much in the end with Randy Coutts leading his squad to victory with 21 points while Anderson poured in 20. Maslovat again paced the Rim Gods with 35 and Ray Doyle added 22.

Fresh off one of the biggest wins over the Golgis, Planet Fitness hoped to continue their success with a win over sixth-place SFU Alumni. In keeping with the day’s previous tilts they held a slim lead at half, 56-54, but then pulled away for a 12-point victory as the Alumni tank ran dry.

Jay Guzman and Steve Lee led Planet Fitness with a combined 51 points, while Jeff Giblin and Wayne Best combined for 59 for the Alumni.

Legends clinch 1st

Richmond Legends clinched top spot and promotion to the Metro Women’s Soccer League First Division next season with a 1-0 win over Semiahmoo Surf Sunday.

Wendy Swanscored in the first half and keeper Lori Errington was flawless for the Legends, who also got a strong defensive game from Carrie Linegar.

In other Second Division play, Richmond Sonics overcame a 1-0 deficit to down the rival Rumble 4-1. Christine Pinder, Donna Jacques, Kim Sommerville and Patrece Thomas scored in the Sonics’ final league game of the winter schedule.

Richmond Rockets continue to struggle falling 2-0 to Delta Speed, while McDermott Red Devils fell 1-0 to Richmond United.

In earlier action, Susan Rogerson, Kate Maryschak and Tiffany Sinclairs scored as Legends blanked Sonics 3-0.

Hoddinott setting example for surprising Marlins

Don Fennell, sports editor

A month ago, few paid much homage to the McNair Marlins. But since assembling a lengthy win string, including key league victories over the Richmond Colts and McRoberts Strikers, the Marlins have climbed to number 15 on the latest provincial senior high school boys’ AAA basketball rankings.

And their rookie coach, Aman Dhaliwal, sees no reason why they can’t keep on winning.

They did just that last weekend to capture top honours at the South Delta invitational, defeating the host team in the final after earlier wins over Delta by 20 points, Earl Marriott by 12, and Richmond rival McMath Wildcats (missing top point getter Jimmy van Ostrand to an ankle injury) by nine. McNair, too, was minus two starters, Aaron Chow and Kagan Beaton.

“We’re playing really well and the guys are working hard to get the job done,” explains Dhaliwal of the 19-5 Marlins.

“It’s a lot of fun. (But) at the beginning of the year if you asked me (if we’d be where we’re at now) I’d probably tell you not likely.”

One of the key contributors to McNair’s run is Aaron Hoddinott, who was selected MVP at last weekend’s tournament. Blessed with natural athleticism, Hoddinott worked hard in the off-season to improve his game and continues to be one of the hardest workers in practise.

“I’m really proud of him,” Dhaliwal says. “It’s why he’s so successful. He’s our leader.”

Karlo Tamondonge and Jack Wang were selected first team all-stars last weekend, while Kenny Sharma has also be a consistent contributor for the Marlins.

Dhaliwal says if the Marlins continue to put forth the same effort and their best players continue to be their best every game, there’s no telling what they can still accomplish.

Currently sidelined for a week during exams, McNair has two league games remaining Feb. 6 at Cambie and Feb. 8 at Hugh Boyd.

“It’s important we do well,” says Dhaliwal. “We have to stay sharp because the playoffs are a week after that. And we’d also like to finish 8-1.”

Crusaders rising up from the east

Don Fennell, sports editor

Despite dropping just a single league game all season, and sporting a winning record overall, the Cambie Crusaders senior high school girls’ basketball team remains relatively unknown or unappreciated outside of Lulu Island.

That’s about to change though, after the Crusaders upset the province’s 11th-ranked McRoberts Strikers 90-75 Tuesday night.

Led by Anita Nain’s 32 points, the Crusaders improved to a league-best 6-1. They close out regular-season play with games against Richmond High and McNair tonight and Tuesday, both at Cambie. Tip-off time for both is 5:45 p.m.

It was fitting Nain be the catalyst for Cambie’s big win over McRoberts. Teammates say she can always be counted on to provide a spark, and were thrilled last weekend at her selection as Cambie’s all-star at the Crusader invitational. Cambie defeated Palmer Griffins in last Saturday’s final. (Cambie lost to Moscrop in the boys’ final).

While coach Jim Donaldson isn’t surprised to see his Crusaders doing well, he is more concerned with preparing them for the end of the season when all is on the line.

“Last year I think the team did better than anyone expected but this season I don’t think we’ve yet played our best yet. I think we know what to do but we haven’t made it habit.”

With six returning players and six newcomers, the Crusaders have an interesting mix. But all 12 show the same determination and high skill level.

“It’s my job as a coach to find a system to fit the players and I’d say we’re still at that stage.

For most of the Crusaders hoops is their second choice as a sport, Donaldson says, but they’re all very smart and athletic and committed to the cause. They aren’t saying exactly what all their goals are, but it’s clear reaching the provincials is one of them.

Donaldson though, says they don’t have to make the B.C.’s for this to be considered a successful season.

“They’re always there for practises and games and the goal is to do their best on the day. The game by nature is set up for someone to win and that’s your goal. But if you play to the best our your ability and don’t win you’ve still succeeded. If you play and well and lose that’s a credit to the other team.”

While they managed only to earn a split in four games on a trip to California during the Christmas break, it was a very positive experience, says Donaldson.

“These kids were pretty close anyway but it just made them closer. And everyone played about equal time.”

Although they lack the height many opponents enjoy, the Crusaders make up for their shortfalls by outworking their foes. They handle the ball well and have good balance with everyone chipping in offensively and defensively.

Legends build on league lead

The Legends Firefighters picked up where they left off, getting a goal from Chris Laing in the 78th minute Sunday to blank Club India 1-0 and build on their Richmond Senior Soccer League Premier Division lead.

But the Shamrock Rovers, a point back of the Firefighters at the annual holiday break, kept pace with a 6-1 thrashing of Ashton Mechanical.

In other Premier Division play, All-Blacks tied Auto Body 2-2, Town shut out Legends Fury 4-0, and Britcom Bucks and Garage Pub played to a 1-1 draw.

Hammerheads maintained their lead atop the First Division with a 4-2 win over Cruceiro, Celtic and Fairview Auto tied 3-3, Ravens blanked the Flying Beavers 1-0 and Cosmos edged Islanders 4-3.

West Richmond continues to top the Second Division, improving their lead over second-place Dragons to two points with a 4-0 win over Cell City after earlier blanking United 2-0.

In other games, Hawks edged Brunners 5-4, Rovers B topped United 1-0, Dragons beat Steelers 4-1 and Wrestlers blanked Legends Sparer 4-0.

Nerpio, Halliwell, Shiota tumble way into to top 10

Three members of Steveston’s Nuana Sports Academy are gearing up for the National Age-Group Tumbling Championships Feb. 23 to 25 in Maple Ridge.

Chelsea Nerpio, Lisa Halliwell and Kimberly Shiota all placed in the top 10 at the recent Shasta Invitational, the first provincial event of the season.

Nerpio won the provincial C title with an amazing combined score of 84.90 points. She earned two 9.20 scores in salto and two 9.20 scores in twist.

“I’m so impressed with her skill,” says coach Anatoli Myshlayev. “And she’s so young (nine years old). She has such a bright future.”

Lisa Halliwell tied with Nerpio for first place, earning scores of 9.30 for both the salto and twist.

“She’s already ready to compete for Level B, which will be a step up,” says Myshlayev. “But I think she needs some time to get mentally prepared. I’m hoping she can medal in the nationals, but there’s no pressure (or hurry).”

Shiota garnered eighth place at the provincial meet with 82.10 points. Her best result was a score of 9.10 in the salto.

“This was her first tumbling competition and being a former gymnast she has good balance,” notes Myshlayev.

Pirates take pair from Sockeyes as local Kirby nets three goals

A local minor hockey product did much of the damage as Queens Park Pirates earned back-to-back victories over the Richmond Sockeyes this week.

Jason Kirby scored two goals to lead the Pirates to a 3-2 victory on Jan. 30 and added another Thursday in a 5-2 Pirates’ win, lifting them to within four points of fifth-place Richmond in the Pacific International Junior Hockey League standings.

Sean Hodgins was one of the few bright spots for the Sockeyes, scoring once and earning two assists in the two games.

Richmond players are also shining elsewhere in the league, as the Grandview Steelers have no fewer than four locals in their lineup: Spencer Hamade, Kenji Umenso, Macey ter Borg and Ryan Weber.