The Ridge Meadows Flames are back in action on Friday night (Jan. 24), while riding a hot streak of nine straight wins, at the top of the league standings, and having outscored their opponents by a combined score of 46-4 over their last five contests.
The Flames have a record of 36 wins, four losses, an overtime loss, and a shootout loss. Their 74 points leads the Pacific Junior Hockey League, as a cold streak by the Chilliwack Jets has dropped the longtime leaders into second place.
The Flames left Aldergrove Wednesday night after beating the still-winless Kodiaks 8-0. Goaltender Matthew Candusso had the shutout with 23 saves.
Forward Jonah Power Smith had three assists, and is on a five-game points steak that has seen him put up a goal and eight assists.
Josh Bettesworth had two goals for his third straight game with two points.
On Saturday they beat the Mission City Outlaws 9-1, and Friday night at Cam Neely Arena drubbed the Surrey Knights 11-0.
Against Surrey, Nolan Bowsher had three goals and two assists, and new trade acquisition Mattheo Appezzato scored and added two helpers.
Zack Lagrange is headed for 100 points, as he leads the PJHL with 93, is averaging 2.2 points per game, and has six games left to get the needed seven points.
Hitting the century mark would be a rare feat – the last time someone scored 100 in the PJHL points was in the 2018-2019 season. But the natural scorer from Pitt Meadows on pace to get there – scorching hot with 15 points in his last five games.
The last scoring champ from the Flames was Nicholas Amsler, who had 82 points in 44 games in 2021-2022.
The Flames have clinched a playoff spot, but can now clinch first overall, a scoring championship, and even a league record for power play efficiency.
All that is on the line as they head into a Jan. 24 game against the Langley Trappers at 7:30 p.m. at Cam Neely Arena. On Monday night, Jan. 27, they will host the Abbosford Pilots (20-20-3-0) at 7:35 p.m.
• This Friday's game is Legion night, as the Flames invited the Maple Ridge Legion to the contest, and a colour party will take part in the opening ceremony. The 50-50 draw will be shared as a donation to the veteran's organization.