As fast as one season wraps-up it’s time to focus on any and all changes that must have a positive impact setting in place a winning mandate for the upcoming season.
Reflecting on last season the Richmond Sockeyes had an impressive record of 32 wins. 11 losses, 3 overtime losses and 2 shootout losses placing them second in the Tom Shaw Conference with 69 points.
While this is slightly down from the previous season it’s fair to say that changes were made in the off-season with graduating players moving on and others taking the next step in their Junior career.
Overall the coaching staff led by Cullen Revel took no time off and once the previous season was wrapped-up their sights were set on the new season.
One graduating player last season was Team Captain Matthew Stewart who played with the Sockeyes for the previous three seasons and finished with a record of 35 goals, 61 assists along with 20 power play goals.
With Matthew moving on he was rewarded with a new role being player development coordinator and assistant GM and with his loss it meant they would need to find someone who could fill the void he left behind.
In doing so they promoted Teo Lin to the role of Captain who was one of the team leaders both off and on the ice the previous season.
Leadership begins and starts with both ownership and management who strongly rely on the roster they put in place to keep the team heading in the right direction which has the team taking major steps for the upcoming seasons.
As one season comes to a close the Sockeyes are excited to announce the next chapter in their storied chapter as they move forward in BC Hockey as they officially announce they enter Tier One in the PJHL.
With one league stepping away from both BC Hockey and Hockey Canada that opened the door for the PJHL to put the pieces in place to represent BC playing for a National Championship.
The process was long and arduous but after the long process of an overall assessment it was officially announced the Sockeyes are taking the next step forward in the PJHL and BC Hockey.
The Sockeyes have a long standing relationship with the City of Richmond not only for hockey but also showcases how unique it is with the City dating back to their National Championship win in the 86-87 Title.
This July the Champion Richmond Sockeyes will be inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in Penticton and as Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie mentioned “The Sockeyes have built a long standing tradition which is more than playing hockey.”
He continued to mention “The Sockeyes, regardless of where they go they are welcomed by so many of today’s youth who reach out to them, which is a dream come true for so many youngsters.”
Moving forward the Sockeyes which is the first team in the PJHL to officially announce that they are advancing to Tier One status for Junior Hockey in BC which was a two-year process.
This would not and could not be made possible without the dedication from the numerous dedicated volunteers some who are with the Richmond Special Olympics.
In addition the day prior Doug Paterson owner of the Richmond Sockeyes was presented with the prestigious recognition of receiving the King Charles Coronation Medal.
Next article we’ll focus on the final Sockeyes Banquet wrap-up!!!
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