Feels good to hear, doesn't it?
Well it felt even better to say during the first broadcast and home opener for the flames. For those that don't know already, I am the voice of the Ridge Meadows Flames, providing play-by-play commentary which is brought to you from fast hockey services. My name is Tyler Lippingwell, this is my second year as part of the flames broadcast team. Last year I provided some camera service, but mainly was on the mic, doing colour commentary with Rick Garrison who provided play-by-play. I wouldn't be in this position this year if it were not for him, so I would like to say thank you to Rick.
Enough about me, the reason I am starting this blog is to provide more coverage on the small town team, Ridge Meadows Flames. The Flames held their home opener tonight at Cam Neely Arena playing host to the newly revamped Langley Knights,
There were pregame festivities held, for the ninth year in a row, in the form of a tailgate party. With the purchase of a ticket, fans received free pop and a hot dog, also games for the kids to play and even a mascot, Hat-Trick the Beaver! And not to forget the 7th man of the night, Dayne Meier.
Before hitting the ice, the flames had two red carpets rolled out, parallel to one another placed with minor hockey players, who welcomed the flames line up onto the ice as the new roster was announced in front of the crowd. We then also saw a ceremonial puck drop from former captain of the flames, Travis Oddy. Oddy served two years with the flames and felt honoured to join the team in dropping the puck at the home opener. I was fortunate enough to have Travis also join me in the broadcast booth as he provided colour commentary for the evening. It was great getting the opportunity to chat about seasons past and have him be able to make references to players styles throughout the game. As head coach Jamie Fiset says, Travis was such a great influence on the team that he has a "lifetime pass" to visit and give the guys a hard time.
As for game play, the flames were more than ready to begin this season. The Knights started off the scoring this game, but lead did not past long as the first goal of the season was netted by number 3, Cameron Alder who found the back of the net via five hole on the Langley Knights goal tender. It was a beautiful way to start off that scoring sheet for the boys. Later in the first period newly named captain for the flames, Danny Wilson, picked up his first of the season to put the flames up 2-1. That goal was assisted by Flames vets Grant Rostvig and Andrew Castagna. The first period was quite evenly matched, could have said that the ice was tilted a little towards Flames starting goaltender Tyler Read, as the Knights were able to tie it up before the period expired, but that was no sign of what was to come from the Flames
The second did not provide much in terms of scoring, but we did start to see some sparks as the intensity picked up. The Flames were the only team that provided offence that lead to a goal, which came from Boston Colley. Colley will be a leader on the team this year, this is his second year on the team and we can expect some explosive offence from him. His goal was assisted by rookie defenceman Ben Chipman who didn't have a single bad shift in his PJHL debut. He was all over the ice making a big impact, collecting two assists along the way. Also chipping in on the lone second period goal was face off superstar Nick Maydaniuk
We saw four goals scored by the Ridge Meadows Flames in the third period, giving them a huge cushioned lead, and of course, a win. The third period saw a second goal by Danny Wilson, one from Michael Bell, but the two that stood out were the first and last of the period, from rookie Andrew Strelezki.
To put it lightly, in the third period, the Flames got hot.
What a welcoming into the PJHL, as Andrew Strelezki is a rookie this season. If you did not know that, and saw the way this kid played tonight, you wouldn't believe that this was his first year in the league. This boy can skate, pass, shoot, dangle, and of course, score, Coach Jamie Fiset couldn't ask for a better rookie if he tried. Strelezki was placed on a line tonight with Dale Howell, who was the breakout rookie from last year for the Flames, along with another rookie stud, Nik Ponak. Throughout the whole night, this line may have got the most ice time, and rightfully so due to the fact that they were clicking when things needed to happen. If this line is a sign of things to come, Flames fans, strap yourselves in for the ride of a lifetime. Travis Oddy forewarned me before the game that both of these boys were going to shine, and shine they did.
Coach Jamie Fiset mentioned to me days ago that he thinks he want to win a home opener, so hes going to make it this year. He said so due to the fact that the Flames have not won a home opener since at least the 2008 season. And for those of you counting at home, that is almost ten seasons without providing the home crowd with a victory in the opener.With the 7-2 victory, the Flames can skate into Port Moody tomrrow with some confidence, and hopefully pull off win to upset the fans of Port Moody to ruin their own home opener.
The Flames were full of rookie weapons last year and that is what helped them push into the playoffs, only to lose to Abbotsford in 5 games in the first round. If today's performance by the entire team is a sign of things to come, I am extremely excited for the future of this Flames team
Upcoming Schedule:
Saturday, September 13 vs Port Moody Panthers
Wednesday, September 17 vs Aldergrove Kodiaks
Next Home Game: Firday, Spetember 19 vs North Vancouver Wolf Pack
Adding fuel to the Flames,
Tyler Lippingwell
