Sockeyes Excited For 53rd Season

As school returns for another year; the Richmond Sockeyes are excited to enter their 53rd season in the PJHL as they hit the ice at Richmond’s Minoru Arena for their home opener.

Thanks to the Mayor and Councilors, the dignitaries as well as partners who attended the 2023-24 home opener against the Grandview Steelers.

The success of the Richmond Sockeyes is in part due to the community as well as the numerous volunteers who donate their time to help make the Sockeyes a top notch program for the City of Richmond.

Cullen Revel returns as the Head Coach and is excited noting that the coaching staff took the summer to analyze both the positives and negatives of last season and realistically it’s hard to have any negative take away from the overall record.

When you take a deeper look at some of the things that come with having a streak and record like they had last season you don’t face the adversity you need to when they faced the Flames in the seven game series.
Like the Sockeyes they also had an extremely strong record who obviously recalled the loss against Delta in game seven and that experience is invaluable and moving forward the Sockeyes look to learn on what they have to improve upon.

Bringing in new players it’s essential that they get “up to speed” noting that the veteran players hit their stride early as they move forward.

Entering the season the Sockeyes have lost five players who have “aged out” and currently have ten players away at WHL. BCHL, AJHL or other camps and are waiting on their status noting that some might not return.

In the meantime several players have been signed to fill positions from the players that have departed last season as well as filling specific needs they might require this season.

It’s interesting to know that if some players return the Sockeyes have been somewhat conservative with the numbers they have signed knowing that they never wanted to be in a spot with too many players.

Should some players return then and only then decisions will have to be made for players to play at this level with another team creating an opportunity for the players not wanting to jeopardize their career.

Goaltending is always an issue and at press time it’s uncertain as to how things play out for Thomas Popa in Alberta as well as Noah Stenvig in Wenatchee and make the necessary decision when they know better.

One area the Sockeyes focus on is that last year’s players have developed enough so they will have the opportunity at the next level giving the chance they deserve.

If you ask Cullen how camp this season differed from his first last year he mentioned “it was a bit different in the sense of direction where they were” noting that teams are getting recruitment done much earlier.

With the game taking on more of a “global game” teams reach out to billet families who are essential for any team and become life-long friends throughout their career.

The Sockeyes are involved in the community and welcome you to become a member of the Richmond Sockeyes Family.

Make plans to attend one of the upcoming home games as they face-off against the Surrey Knights September 8th at 6:30 pm followed by a game against their rival in the Tunnel Series against the Delta Ice Hawks September 12th at 7 pm.