Mason Richey played the way a three-year veteran should against the Vancouver NE Chiefs.
In his final playoff run at the BC Major Midget League (BCMML) level, the 17-year-old Cariboo Cougar captain notched a trio of assists as the hosts pounced over the Chiefs 5-2 on Friday at Kin 1.
After Paul Hauk made it 1-0 after the opening period courtesy of Richey, the experienced forward picked up a couple more helpers later in the game setting up both Craig MacDonald and Hunter Floris who were also dominant in the win.
“I think all three of us just moved the puck and we knew what the game plan was and we just kind of played around it. We came prepared early in the second becuase we knew what to expect and we’re on fire I guess,” says Richey.
Brandon Dent was also flying all over the ice for the major-midget Cats who potted the empty net goal to ice the victory, but could have had two more had it not been for the crossbar.
However, the win came at a price as Cariboo lost starting goaltender Marcus Allen to injury late in the third period due to a suspected knee injury.
“That’s hockey, that’s what we do, we have twelve forwards and six defenceman along with two goalies for a reason when injuries like this happen in a game and Ryan (Buchan) has shown he can play at this level and we didn’t give up a whole bunch tonight and locked it down – I think we can do that again tomorrow to get that win and move on.”
“I haven’t got the word back from the trainer about Marcus but it didn’t look good and has been a big factor for us on this team and this is Ryan’s chance to step up and see what he can do,”
In his rookie season, Buchan collected a 7-3 record in the regular season in just 13 appearances recording a 4.44 goals against average.
Brett Fudger scored the other goal for Cariboo, while Ryan Denney and Quinton Hill lit the lamp for the Chiefs in defeat.
Michael Harroch took the loss in goal for Vancouver NE.
The Cougars lead the best-of-three semi-finals 1-0 with game two set for Saturday at 4PM.
Captain Mason Richey, who had three assists, talks about his lines big night & the Cougars push in the second period.#DefendtheNorth #BCMML pic.twitter.com/ZAaqdMfj3R
— Cariboo Cougars (@cariboocougars) March 24, 2018