The long-anticipated wait is officially over for the “new look” PJHL Tier 2 Junior A Richmond Sockeyes as they get set to hit the ice for the home opener Sept. 7 at the Minoru Arena.
It could be listed as one going down in the history books for the league as the Sockeyes play host to the expansion PoCo Trailblazers, who are the newest addition to the league as their 14th team.
Pre-season play saw the Sockeyes play four games, managing to bulge the twine grabbing 21 goals while keeping the opposition to only nine.
This alone shows the fire power that head coach Cullen Revel and staff have assembled that showed a no-quit attitude in pre-season.
Chemistry plays one of the more important roles for any club and over the weekend saw a “team-bonding” golf day at West Richmond Pitch and Putt.
Say what you will, the desire to succeed was just as prevalent for golf as it is when they hit the ice, showing both the desire and dedication to be number one.
That alone showed that the Sockeye’s have their sights set on not just playing consistent hockey, but giving the fans in Richmond a product they will be excited to watch all season.
In a recent conversation with team president Doug Paterson, he mentioned “we are excited to drop the puck in our home opener and welcome everyone to catch exciting Richmond Sockeyes hockey.”
He continued “The growth of hockey goes beyond the Junior level of the game and we are pleased to work with the Richmond Jets Minor Hockey Association focusing on the development for Richmond players.”
The Sockeyes are excited to welcome several returning players from last season, which we will focus on in an upcoming issue in a “Get to know your Sockeyes” feature.
If you have a question for one of the players feel free to send them over to us and we’ll get your question answered and posted on-line.
It takes an exceptional group of dedicated volunteers who seldom get recognition as they are constantly behind the scenes and continue to make the Sockeyes number one in the community.
The Sockeyes have dedicated the season to former Sockeye Alumni Ray Sawada who was not only a solid player, but also dedicated to the youth in the community.
Mark the date on your calendar and make plans to attend the home opener Thursday, Sept. 7 at the Minoru Arena with the face-off set for 7 pm.
Catch exciting PJHL Tier 2 Junior A Hockey and keep up to date by visiting your Sockeyes at RichmondSockeyes.com
