Another playoff series between the Delta Ice Hawks and Richmond Sockeyes may have seemed like a near certainty back in November. Now, it looks to be a longshot at best.
While the Sockeyes recovered from an opening game loss to win four straight against the North Vancouver Wolf Pack to advance, the Ice Hawks are in a heap of trouble against the surging North Delta Devils. A pair of overtime wins over the weekend at Sungod Arena by the home team has the Ice Hawks staring at a first round exit.
North Delta leads the best-of-seven series 3-1 and could have finished off the upset last night in Ladner. If necessary, game six is scheduled for tonight at Sungod (7: 30 p.m.).
The Devils outplayed the Ice Hawks over the second half of the season to finish just six points back in the final standings and have shown why so far in this series. They are getting outstanding goaltending from South Delta Minor Hockey alumni Harry Fredeman and timely goals from former Ice Hawks as well.
It was Fredeman's 37 save performance and overtime winner from onetime Hawk Darren Ausuncion that produced a 2-1 North Delta win in game three on Friday.
The Ice Hawks did manage to open up a 3-1 second period lead in game four Saturday, only to surrender three unanswered goals. John Proctor's late power play tally forced another overtime session and the Devils cashed in again, this time Colin Catchpole scored with captain Cody Smith in the penalty box for boarding.
Sam Vikich, who spent half the season with the Ice Hawks before being dealt, was among the Devils scorers and earned first star honours.
If the Hawks are going to get back in the series, they will need more out of standouts Spencer Traher and Smith. The 20-year-olds, who finished second and ninth in league scoring respectively, have combined for just two assists in the four games. Alex Anhert, another SDMHA alumni has provided solid goaltending, with a .913 save percentage.
mbooth@delta-optimist.com
