Photo Credit Owen Norman-Laver.
Given the success this past season the Richmond Sockeyes have had it was all on display with
the year end banquet that was attended by Players, Families and Volunteers were all recognized
in what can only be described as professional.
The event was held at the Richmond Country Club that featured a seasonal high-light video
package, speeches from attending MLA’s, City Officials as well as a meet and greet prior to the
official face-off.
Paying true recognition was on the agenda brought forward from the Sockeye’s Ownership
group noting that Doug Patterson was the spokesperson speaking of the team’s belief “If you
Believe – You Will Achieve.”
Following an impressive and delicious meal it was time for the presentations of awards to the
deserving players noting that making choices such as this isn’t easy for the group making the
selections.
The evening started off with the Players of the Month presented by Coach Cullen Revel and are
as follows:
September had two winners namely Thomas Popa recording a record of 6-0-1, SV% .901 and a
GAA of 2.85 along with Nick Noren with 13 goals, 2 assists, October saw Justin Grant with 5
goals, 8 assists while he also picked up November’s award with 5 goals and 13 assists.
December saw William Huo manage 9 goals, 9 assists with Daniel Zhou had 8 goals, 6 assists
with Gavin Bains getting the selection for February with 5 goals, 12 assists with Teo Lin getting
the selection for March with 5 goals, 10 assists.
This was followed by the Team Awards with the first being the Rookie of the Year which went to
two players with the first coming in second place for points as a Rookie that has Mattias Uyeda
with 11 goals, 37 assists.
The second is Nickolas Noren who came second in the league as a rookie on the PK with 36
goals and 34 assists.
Up next was the award for the Trainer Award of Merit presented by SJ who worked hard to keep
everyone healthy and in the lineup awarded to Rajun Parmar.
The three star was awarded to Justin Grant who was named first and second star six times and
third star once as well as being named a star 13 of the 44 games played when he led the league in
points.
The Top Scorer Award also went to Justin Grant who led the league in regular season points with
30 goals, 50 assists in 47 games.
The Most Popular Player Award went to Captain Matthew Stewart who was continually active in
the community, late for post game meeting as he was the last one off the ice in addition to
signing autographs.
The Unsung Hero Award went to both Bryce Strandt and Gavin Bains neither of whom took a
night off, while the Most Improved Player Award also went to Teo Lin finishing 11 in league
scoring with 24 goals, 41 assists playing on the PP.
Also named was first year player William Huo finishing 13th in league scoring with 24 goals, 35
assists while the Defensive Player Award went to both Johathan Soares with 40 points in 39
games along with Justin McKnight who never took a night off.
Being recognized as the Most Inspirational Player who was known for his work ethic and ability
to compete who attended every game.
The Iron Man Award went to Captain Matthew Stewart who played all 48 games at times
fighting through sickness or school work which truly shows his commitment and dedication to
the Sockeyes.
The Team MVP Award went to Justin Grant who led the league and team in points grabbing 25
PP Assists.
Next week we will finish the Awards for the 2023-24 Richmond Sockeyes.
Special thanks to the Richmond News for their on-going continuing support for the
Richmond Sockeyes all season.