The Ridge Meadows Flames will be hosting game six of the Stonehouse Cup championship series at Cam Neely Arena on Saturday, March 30.
That was assured after the Richmond Sockeyes tied the best-of-seven Pacific Junior Hockey League final at two games apiece, with a 7-0 drubbing of the Flames on Monday night at The Cam.
“That was probably the worst game we’ve played in the playoffs – one of those nights when everything was bad,” said Flames coach Brent Hughes.
“But we know we’re still in the series – it’s 2-2,” he added, saying his team just has to move on from the loss.
“We’ve got to be truthful to ourselves, and don’t get too down – we’ve got to stay on an even keel.”
The Sockeyes led 2-0 after the first period, then started the second with a power play, cashing in to take a 3-0 lead. Less than two minutes later, it was 4-0.
Goaltender Matthew Candusso was pulled for the first time all season, after going down 4-0.
“Our goaltending has been unbelievable up to this point,” said Hughes. “He was screened on three of the four goals scored against him.”
Normally Candusso is able to track the puck despite traffic in front of him, but it wasn’t a good night for any Ridge player.
The Flames had a chance to get back in the game midway through the second period. Richmond’s Noah Gibbons took a five-minute major and match penalty for an attempt to injure, on a play where he drove Jack Kapty’s head into the crossbar. Not only could the Flames not capitalize, but they gave up a shorthanded goal.
Richmond had three goals on six power plays, while the Flames went 0-for-4. Hughes was planning to go to work on special teams during a Tuesday practice.
The coach was confident his team would bounce back.
“I’m not worried about our goaltenders,” he said.
“It’s been a hard-fought series,” said Hughes. “We’re a helluva hockey club, but we’re up against a good team.”
There have been good crowds at the Maple Ridge rink for the series, and they have largely been entertained by close action, including a double-overtime win by the Flames on Saturday.
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Game five will be in Richmond on Thursday, and Saturday’s game six starts at 7:30 p.m. in Maple Ridge. Game seven, if it comes to that, will be in Richmond on April 1.
“Now we’re down to a three-game series,” said Hughes. “The chips are down.”
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