Upset In The Making – Ice Hawks Advance

At times you could use the old cliché “full meal-deal”, but for this game it was like attending a smorgasbord and simply enjoying what it had to offer.

Such was the case in game six that saw the Ice Hawks chomp away and simply dominate the first place team known as the “Wolf Pack” from the opening face-off.

This game saw a complete reversal from games four and five where the “Pack” simply took away the neutral zone by utilizing the boards to their advantage, causing several turn-overs and breakouts, leaving Latrace to fend for himself.

Chalk it up to home ice or simply not wanting to make an extended trip across the “Second Narrows”, this game was one of the best, if not the best they have played in this entire series.

Coming off the 7-6 loss Saturday night in North Van seemed to give the guys more motivation and of course playing in front of the home crowd never hurts and in just over 24 hours.

As aggressive as North Van was they gave Delta four (4) early Power Play opportunities, with the first starting at the 41 second mark with Uryga taking a minor for high sticking.

The ensuing PP saw Brar take a double minor for high sticking with the second minor starting at 5:36, finishing at 7:36.

With Brar still in the box North Van’s Sidhu was assessed a roughing minor in the right corner of the Ice Hawks end when Ryan O’Keeffe (referee) wasn’t 15 feet away.

One could sense Delta nailing one while having a two-man advantage, but somehow North Van managed to kill off a two-man PP they graciously game Delta.

With Delta pressing and play back at five on five Delta charged the net to capitalize on a scramble to which a small scrum ensued, with Delta coming away with an additional minor.

For the first time in the game hearts were beating and the fan’s were needed more than ever and whatever they did – it worked!

Delta managed to kill off the minor and (for now) both teams decided to play a somewhat disciplined style of play.

The first period ended scoreless, but Delta dominated in the shot department with a commanding lead of 16-8.

The second continued with an aggressive style with both teams trading minors for Unsportsmanlike Conduct so as to settle the teams down – again playing five on five.

This was short-lived as Delta (again) gave North Van another PP opportunity three seconds later with Beck getting tagged for hooking at the 46 second mark.

Chances were had, but nothing materialized only to have North Van’s Wagner get called for tripping at 4:52 putting Delta on the PP.

It wasn’t until the 18:42 mark that A/P call-up Nick Wilson broke-in crashing the net that a full scrum (er-altercation) broke out.

The end result saw Wilson getting tossed/ejected from the game with a Major and a Game Misconduct Goaltender Interference) (Rule 7.3 (b) page 99 in the rule book)

Not the best penalty to take especially giving the power-house Wolf Pack the advantage for what appeared to be a full five minutes.

Delta played tough in all areas of the ice turning away all chances the “Pack” threw at them managing to head to the dressing room still scoreless after two periods of play.

Entering a scoreless third saw North Van still on the PP, but Delta got a fortunate break as North Van’s Jivan Sidhu was assessed a minor for tripping, thus negating any further PP opportunity.

This worked out in Delta’s favour as upon the expiration of the Major, Delta was now on the PP for another 1:25.

This saw Rand break down the wing after taking a pass from Cuthbert and Schwartz to send one past Withers giving Delta a 1-0 lead to the delight of the fans – and the broadcast crew!

Delta again had chances but Withers again displayed an unusual but unique style of play keeping Delta off the scoreboard.

Throughout the series I mention that for my money Captain Wideski is “Snake-bit” and needs one to get the rabbit off his back.

Never say never and to the pleasure of everyone (not counting the fans from North Van) Quinten Wideski sent a rocket past Withers giving Delta a strangle hold on the game with a 2-0 lead.

Firing on all cylinders paid off and A/P call-up Isaac Embree took the puck to the corner, first see him get nailed against the boards and somehow managing to throw a tape to tape pass to Daniel Rubin in front.

Rubin made no mistake and wired one past worried netminder Trevor Withers at 15:32 taking a 3-0 lead with Trevor Withers and the rest of the “Pack” knowing time was against them.

North Van’s Ram Brar was nailed with a minor head contact which is accompanied with an automatic misconduct at 16:04 giving Delta another PP opportunity.

He left for the dressing room, but not without letting the Referee know he wasn’t pleased with his call.

Delta shut the door on any and all shots dumped in keeping everyone out of the area known as the “House Latrace built” (blue paint) allowing him to see all shots directed his way.

The end result saw Delta pull off a huge win over the power-house North Van Wolf Pack taking the series four games to two, upsetting last year’s champs.

Latrace ended the series with two shutouts only allowing 14 goals with a GAA of 2.34 through 359 minutes played.

Delta dominated in the shot’s in all three periods out shooting North Van 38-22, which was instilled by the Coaching staff prior to hitting the ice.

Delta were 1-8 on the power play, leaving North Van struggling and goal-less at 0 – 4.

With the win Delta advances to the Tom Shaw Conference finals against the Grandview Steelers who finished only six points ahead in the final standings.

Delta gets a chance to savour the win before moving on with the first game set for Wednesday March 3^rd in Burnaby at the Winter Club at 7:15 pm

Game Stars:

1^st        Daniel Rubin                          (Delta) (6 games, 2 goals, 2 assists)

2^nd       Isaac Embree A/P                  (Delta) (1 game, 2 assists)

3^rd        Jacob Latrace                        (Delta) SV% .933

Stay Tuned!!