Troy Kaczynski sure knows how to make up for lost time.
After a two-year hiatus, he has resumed his junior hockey career on a full-time basis with the Richmond Sockeyes and is on an absolute tear.
The 20-year-old hometown product leads the Pacific Junior Hockey League in scoring with 39 points in 17 games, including 20 goals. That’s four more than his nearest rival.
It was another typical outing for Kaczynski on Monday — a three point night and first star honours in the Sockeyes’ 5-3 road win over the Langley Knights to improve to 14-3-0-1 on the season.
He was part of an outstanding age group that came through the Richmond Minor Hockey Association that was highlighted by reaching the provincial A1 championship game in his second-year of Bantam. Kaczynski’s linemates for much of that season are current Western Hockey League veterans Carter Popoff and Anthony Ast.
He played one more season with the Blues rep program at the Midget AAA level before cracking the Sockeyes roster as a 17-year-old. Kaczynski enjoyed a solid rookie campaign with 29 points in 41 games, including 13 goals. He was a big part of the club’s plans moving forward, never mind potential opportunities elsewhere, but wanted to step away from the game to focus on school and work.
After sitting out a year, he decided to resume his career with the Richmond Juvenile Blues. He helped Richmond win a fifth consecutive provincial championship and also joined the Sockeyes in time to appear in six playoffs games where he managed a goal and two assists. He took a regular shift in the championship series against Aldergrove.
“It was pretty cool to be getting to play in overtime of the finals,” said Kaczynski who is juggling hockey with working full-time at a warehouse in Delta. “I decided to come back this year to see if I can further my career a bit and continue to play competitive hockey at a school somewhere.
“It’s going pretty good right now. I guess it’s a case of being in the right place at the right time for a few of (my goals).”
At 6-foot-2 and 205-pounds, Kaczynski brings NHL type size to the junior level and really does look like a man among boys on most nights. His size is complimented by his skill set and quick hands.
“He certainly is a very imposing player,” said Sockeyes head coach Judd Lambert. “Troy has good speed, is strong, big and can be physical if he wants to be. His (offensive) pace is somewhat surprising but given his physical ability not a huge surprise.
“It’s unfortunate he kind of lost a couple of years but I’m sure he is going to have some opportunities with schools to continue to play hockey next year.”
Kaczynski is already hearing from teams and may practice with Simon Fraser University in the coming weeks. The interest and potential offers should only increase if he maintains his current pace.
“I always thought of myself as more of a playmaker than a shooter but it’s going good,” he smiled. “I just feel more comfortable this year. I noticed there is a difference and it feels like I have a little more time out there.”
Kaczynski has spent much of the season playing alongside Mac Colasimone and rookie Tyler Paterson, although Lambert won’t hesitate to use him elsewhere too.
“Our forwards are being led by the veteran guys right now and it’s what we need at this point,” added Lambert. “Guys like Troy are holding the fort for us.”
The Sockeyes return to action Thursday when Langley is at Minoru Arenas for a 7 p.m. rematch.
