Whenever professional players get the chance to return to the “grassroots” level of the game they got their start in they never turn down any opportunity.
They remember not only who but also the team that gave them the chance that helped groom their skills to play at the pro level of the game.
One such individual who began his Junior career with the Richmond Sockeyes is Danton Heinen who began his career in the 2012-13 season finishing with 63 points helping the Sockeyes win the league championship.
Prior to the game he had a chance to talk with the Coaching Staff, Players and numerous volunteers, but when the doors were opened for young Richmond players to meet him, he was excited as they were.
In conversation with Danton he mentioned “When you get a chance to return where it all started and talk to the young players, for me personally it’s so rewarding to give back where I got my start in Junior Hockey.”
He advanced his career earning a scholarship to play at the University of Denver but first joined the Denver Men’s Ice Hockey team for the 2014-15 and was drafted by Boston in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft in the fourth round, 116th overall.
Following his collegiate career he joined the Providence Bruins finishing the 2015–16 season he played in four games with the Bruins, two regular season and two playoff games recording two assists.
He was selected to the 2017 AHL All-Star roster while helping the Providence Bruins qualify for the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs recording 18 points in 17 games.
He made his NHL playoff debut in Game 1 of the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Leafs but was scratched for Game 6 that saw Tommy Wingels but played the following game.
He started on the Bruins’ first line against Steven Stamkos in Game 1 but saw the Bruins eliminated in five games.
In his fourth season with the Bruins he was traded to Anaheim (February 24th, 2020) for left winger Nick Ritchie then signed with Pittsburgh (July 29, 2021) signing a one-year contract.
He then went on to sign a PTO with the Bruins in September 2023 but was unsigned due to salary cap issues but re-signed with the Bruins.
He scored his first career hat trick against Montreal January 20,2024 and to the delight of Canuck supporters he was signed to the Vancouver Canucks July 1st signing a two-year deal.
It was clear to say that he was a “fan favorite” at the Richmond Sockeyes game!!
Welcome home Danton!!!
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