Scoring Punch Added

For a team to be well rested for a series say’s a lot about what they can bring to the table for the next series and with Delta eliminating North Van two days prior to the Steelers final game could give them added incentive.

Both clubs met six times throughout the season with Delta winning four of the six games one might speculate Delta should take the series.

Throughout the regular season Delta narrowly outscored the Steelers by a total goals differential of 17-15, which would imply strong goaltending, but the interesting note to the games is that Naylor only played two games, while Paler-Chow played all six games.

One other regular season stat shows Delta getting goals from various players, while the Steelers top player was Coltellaro, but only regular season play.

Playoffs bring a different “breed” to the game and entering this series see’s Rota notching five goals and as many helpers advancing his team to the Conference Finals.

Also head to head play throughout the season saw both clubs have a shot difference of six, with Delta grabbing 174 and the Steelers sending 180 at the Ice Hawks net.

Power Plays throughout the season for both clubs is one area that needs work and not just a bit, but lots.

Delta’s special teams unit managed a minimal 1-22 (4.5%), while the Steelers was slightly higher going 3-25 for 12.0% throughout the season.

Delta’s agenda or game plan entering the game was not to let the visitors walk away with the win as the Wolfpack did with a 3-2 win in the first round.

If ever you want to attract and keep your fan base, it’s about strong play on home ice for the entire sixty minutes.

Delta came out with “jump” and never let up as they hammered 10 shots on Paler-Chow in the first keeping the Steelers to a minimum of 3.

Delta found themselves in penalty trouble giving the Steelers an early PP at 10:10 while Trotman was assessed a minor for tripping, but with the strong defensive play and quick changes, they managed to keep the Steelers off the scoreboard.

This game would keep the fans on their feet from the opening face-off to the final whistle and with each team having chance after chance, it was “speedster” Jonathan Stein who put the Ice Hawks on the board late in the first getting set up from Harris Pearce at 19:10

Delta started the second where they left off in the first, with exceptional strong fore-checking and being physical using their size to their advantage.

Early in the second Cuthbert gave Delta a 2-0 lead after taking a tape to tape pass from Methorst at 2:53 adding the much needed motivation for the team.

Both teams supplied a fast paced offence, with both having several chances in which the Steelers managed 10 shots in the second on Naylor, while Delta hammered 12 on Paler-Chow.

Steelers were tagged with a minor to Cumberbirch for Slashing sending Delta on the PP allowing Dhaliwal to display his speed and versatility putting Delta up by a 3-0 margin after getting set up for “Mr. Consistency” Nick March.

Grandview called a T/O to rally the troops, but it might have been to little too late, but they did manage to go on the PP with Crompton being assessed a Major plus a Game Misconduct for Boarding at 15:53.

Being up by three is nothing new for any club and given the aggressive play of the Steelers there was still lots of time remaining, which had many fans wondering if the Steelers could tie the game and force O/T?

It’s one step at a time and this game was no different and playing six on four with the goalie remove would see Keito Lee grab a PP marker at 18:12 making it a 3-1 contest.

With pressure mounting the Steelers continued to press and having a man advantage for the remainder wouldn’t or couldn’t hurt the strong PP unit the Steelers have.

With the “tender” pulled the Steelers pressed from all areas of the ice and try as they might the strong defensive play of Delta would keep them off the board allowing Delta to take game one of the series.

Game Referee Hasret Sidhu had a relatively “calm” night by all stretch having only to assess 8 penalties, with five going to Delta and three assessed to the Steelers.

Both teams were stingy on the PP with Delta going 1-2 (50%) and the Steelers only managing 1-3 for 33.3% on the night.

Shots throughout the game saw the Ice Hawks hammer 36 at Paler-Chow, while the Steelers only managed to send 20 at Naylor.

Game stars:

1st Jonathan Stein (1goal)

2nd Cam Cuthbert (1 goal/1 assist)

3rd Jordan Deyrmenjian (1 goal)

Don’t expect this series to be a “sweep” by either team and given the fire-power of both clubs, it’s going to be fun, exciting hockey.

Delta returns home for game three March 7th with the face-off set for 7:35 pm.

If you are unable to attend in person, make plans and catch the action and call of the game ONLY on Delta TV with myself (Steve Erickson) and Greg Bulloch.