The Richmond Minor Hockey Association ushered in the 2017-18 season with an Opening Day celebration that included honouring three of its most notable alumni.
A special ceremony unveiled the framed jerseys of Vancouver Canucks defenceman Troy Stecher, along with NHL officials Kelly Sutherland and Trevor Hanson. They will permanently be on display at the Richmond Ice Centre. All three came through RMHA as young players and referees.
Stecher was on hand for the presentation that included Richmond councillors Bill McNulty and Ken Johnston, along with Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey chair Lynne Kiang.
“It’s special. It’s my grassroots,” said the 23-year-old as he heads off to his second NHL training camp this week. “This is the arena where I grew up and attended many mornings with my father and my mom. “It’s great to be recognized, but it’s not about me but about the association and all the effort parents have put in to make this work for the kids.
“I have lots of great memories here with lots of friends. There were a lot of special people and a lot of them are still here. It’s tremendous to see the work they are still putting in. I’m happy to come back here, show my face and show my support to the kids. Having them here is pretty special too. I hope I can be a role model to them.”
Stecher’s final year of playing for Richmond Minor was when he was 14.
That year he had a leading role in the Blues reaching the provincial Bantam A1 championship game under head coach Ron Popoff. He moved to play a season of major midget with the Greater Vancouver Canadians then jumped to the B.C. Hockey League with Penticton when he was just 16. His time in junior “A” paved the way for a full-ride scholarship offer to the University of North Dakota.
“We made the (Bantam) provincials that year and lost in the final. There were a lot of great players on that team and the coaching staff too,” continued Stecher. “Earlier on in intro and tyke, it was creating that bond and relationship with my dad and him coaching me. Those are the two things that really stand out.”
The alumni tribute had been on RMHA president Carolyn Hart’s wish list for “years.”
It all finally came together and even involved some last minute phone calls to Stecher’s mom Tracey to conclude the biographies that are included with the framed jerseys.
“We are very very proud of all three of them,” said Hart. “Just look at this young man (Stecher) over there with our young players. What a personality.
“I have been following his career through Penticton and North Dakota. I feel I have a connection with him even though today was the first time I have met him.”
Sutherland, 46, is considered one of the top referees in the world. Not only has he worked numerous Stanley Cup finals but also was selected for the gold medal game at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.
Hanson, 33, was hired by the NHL in 2012 after officiating in the PJHL, BCHL, WHL and AHL. He was also an accomplished player, reaching the BCHL with Surrey before focusing full-time on officiating.
Icing…
Richmond Minor begins the new season with growth in registration thanks to its tireless work with its Intro to Hockey, Hockey 1 and First Shift programs that is bringing new families into Canada’s favourite winter sport.
“To me, to build a strong organization in terms of rep you need to have an amazing group of players from all walks of life,” explained Hart. “We are welcoming 38 families to Hockey One, 53 families to Intro to Hockey and 45 to First Shift.
“Maybe for some, hockey has been financially out of reach and we have made that dream possible. We have outfitted 19 kids here today. These families will stop me in the hallway and express their gratitude repeatedly. It’s what makes the (volunteer) job worthwhile. I also have tremendous support from the board.”
