Captain’s Log With Teo Lin

For some, playing with any team for four years it can be an eternity with a team while at times some struggle given the make up of the roster.

For Sockeyes Captain Teo Lin that clearly wasn’t the case and as he mentioned he “was treated royally” and had no second thought of being Sockeye for his tenure of his Junior career.

Fair to mention that first, it’s close to home which isn’t always the case for some players which allows him to finish his schooling while being close to family and friends.

Growing up he played for Seafair Minor Hockey Association until Pee Wee when he mentioned that the following year Seafair merged with Richmond Minor Hockey becoming the Richmond Jets.

Here he played his first four years of High School until grade eleven where he became an affiliate player (AP) with the Sockeyes playing his first game at the age of fifteen which was an eye opener for any young player.

Considering that Bayne ran some summer camps, Teo worked hard telling him to play his solid style and work hard that eventually saw him suit up for his home town team.

He mentioned that he owes lots to Will Kump who guided him in his first season in 2021-22 where played seven games finishing with a pair of goals which allowed him to make the roster the following season.

He reflects back to his first season when his coach was Bayne Koen who coached for two consecutive seasons with the Sockeyes from 2021-22 to 2022-23 who passed on his knowledge from playing in Bemidji State to the Charlotte Checkers in the ECHL.

He looked back at the early days and played with Matthew Steward and Tanner Milne who both went down with injuries which slotted him into playing centre which was somewhat unique for him.

He mentioned how nervous and apprehensive he was not knowing what to expect but given his relaxed style, things worked out for the best as it was a fine fit for what would be a stellar career.

His second season he was awarded “Most Improved Player” suiting up for 41 games managing an impressive 18 goals, 17 assists, 2 PPG and 1 SHG changing his style from a finesse style to somewhat more aggressive locking up 25 PIM.

In conversation with some players this past season when asked about having Teo as their Captain they mentioned that “he has the ability to not only perform on the ice but leads by example off the ice as  well” which shows nothing but respect.

As many know he has a brother who is two years younger which probably worked to his benefit understanding that his parents weren’t “pushy parents” only wanting what was best for the boys always being there showing support.

He feels that if any player at a young age is being pushed too hard at some point you’re going to break given all the outside pressure it can.

His Dad played Soccer in Richmond and coached the West Van Secondary Women’s Soccer team for a number of years when he worked at the school mentioning that in one game he coached against Christine Sinclair Olympic gold medallist, two-time Olympic bronze medallist, CONCACAF champion, and 14-time winner of the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award.

Both parents work in the school system as Mom is an Elementary School Principal and his Dad is a math teacher both at different schools who were more caring about their work ethic.

One of his highlights was advancing to play in game seven against the Flames that saw him knocked out of the line-up in game six with a broken leg eventually dropping the series in game seven.

The following day he had surgery despite the loss in a season that had lots of success that saw him promoted to Sockeyes Captain the following season which was interesting considering the younger group of players in the roster.

That season they had a younger core of players and being Captain he mentioned that he was given respect from the twenty year old players right from the start of the season with him relying on some older players.

Again – another coaching change and regardless of who was behind the bench he respected what they brought to the game which he feels that he had lots of success given his style of play feeling that regardless of who the coach was he felt he had lots of flexibility with his play.

One thing for certain for those who have watched him is his consistent style of play and even this past season he mentioned that they were on the same page and appreciated what he had done as Captain giving Teo more leeway.

This past season which was his final as Captain and a Sockeye player he felt there was less pressure in his final season which he never took for granted.

The off-season sees him helping Matthew Stewart coach the spring team which he enjoys mentioning that as a retired player now he “wants to give back and help the team” anyway he can.

He enjoyed being involved in any and all community events from the RCMP Toy Drive, playing ball hockey as well as visiting the food banks and helping out with the Church on Five which have been “super fun events” getting to hang out with his team-mates.

With retirement he is looking to stay active, possibly playing at UBC mentioning he wants to stay involved with the Sockeyes.

At present he hasn’t been offered a chance to jump on the bench but wouldn’t turn the offer down but he knows he is a few years away.

Lastly I asked about attending the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft in which his brother Ryan will be selected and mentions “it’s an exciting time for the Family being able to see the first step of what will be many.”

He’s super proud of Ryan and can’t wait to get there with the Family who have rooms booked being so excited just to be there.

Over all he finishes his career with a solid career stat total of 182 games played, 98 goals, 127 assists, 25 PPG along with 9 SHG finishing with 140 PIM’s.

From a broadcasters perspective I have not only watched him play but can honestly say that he was so very professional at any and all requests I have asked of him.

I wish him all the best moving forward in whatever career field he sets his sights on as he is indeed a “TRUE PROFESSIONAL”