Annual Alumni Game

The Richmond Sockeyes held their 14th annual Alumni game at the Minoru Arena before 500 fans.

The game saw the current team (2014-15) host the Alumni members in what was very entertaining.

The current Sockeyes team defeated the Alumni squad to capture the Cup that is presented to the winners annually.

This event is hosted by the Sockeyes so as to raise funds from the 50/50 sales as well as ticket sold as well as concessions.

It all is so they can hand out Scholarships to players on the Sockeyes team for their education.

The Sockeyes are the only club in the PJHL to have an event such as this for their players in Junior B hockey in Canada.

The Alumni team was represented by players that had been with them since graduating a couple of years as well as dating back to the original club back in 1972.

Representing numerous years of hockey experience both on and off the ice, included current Education Advisor Don Taylor.

Don was behind the Alumni bench coaching along with Doug Paterson and Maurice Lambert, current Governor.

Gordy Hayes, also a former player for the Sockeyes from the early years of the club, and former trainer Arson Barrows and Dale Isley.

The current squad were eager to take on the veteran team and the opening period was fast and furious.

The Alumni opened the scoring on a goal by Darryl Fowler at 2:33 but a minute later the Sockeyes tied the game on a goal by Brodie Crawford to even the game at 1-1.

The Alumni regained the lead on a goal by Jeremy Hamaguchi midway through the period; but the Sockeyes got a late goal from Tyler Paterson to even the game at two.

Between periods Minor hockey players from Richmond took to the ice entertaining the crowd as the players from the Alumni talked about old times in the lounge at the South end of the rink over a glass of beer or wine bringing back memories.

The second saw the Alumni regain the lead (3-2) on goal by Darryl Fowler but the Sockeyes bounced back with Tyler Paterson scored to tie the game at 3-3.

The pesky veterans from the Alumni took a 4-3 lead and scored with 40 seconds left.

The Sockeyes had a solid third period against the Alumni testing the veteran squad who were on their heels when Troy Kaczynski got the equalizer on the power play with 1:34 remaining, sending the game to O/T.

In the extra period Trevor Lima scored the game winner to give the PJHL squad the win over the Alumni.

Final shots in the game were 32-25 for the Sockeyes as Russell finished with 22 saves and Oakley now playing with TWU of the BCIHL was credited with 28.

Players of the game were Aaron Oakley for the Alumni and Troy Kaczynski of the Sockeyes squad.

“I spoke to the Sockeyes Education Advisor Don Taylor prior to the game what this game means to current and past players and the Richmond Sockeyes Hockey Club.”

“Don was an original player on the 1972 Sockeyes that played against the Bellingham Blazers for the BC Hockey title that was won by the Blazers.

He played against Stan Smyl who went on to the New Westminster Bruins of the Western Canada Hockey League (WCHL) and was eventually drafted by the Canucks.

Don also attended UBC playing for the Thunderbirds in 1977.

The event is in it’s 13th year has been held since 2002 and is very much a community event for the Sockeyes since it’s introduction.

It has been a great way for the hockey club to reward players with scholarships for their education and Don has held that role for the last 7 years.

Some of the past Grads from the team have gone to play UBC, SFU, Division 1-2-3 in the NCAA, BCHL and the BCIHL.

In the last 13 years the club has raised $10,000.00  to $15,000.00 in scholarship funds.