Sockeyes Strong November Start

The slow start has paid dividends as the team sets its sights on moving up to the top spot in the Mainland Division of the newly formed BCHC which comprises six teams all located in the lower mainland.

The league (BCHC) officially launched in September and while the slow start for the Sockeyes seemed inevitable given the graduating players the onus was clearly on ownership, management and coaching staff.

Some might think or feel that attracting players is an easy task; it’s not as easy as one might think with players looking at their options that are often presented to them from other Junior Clubs in various areas.

Entering November the Sockeyes are in a three-way race with the Ice Hawks and the Flames who are one-two and three in that order with 21 points.

The Sockeyes have played eighteen games sporting a record of 10 wins, 7 losses, 1 shootout loss managing 67 goals while relinquishing 57 to the visitors.

The puck officially drops for November with a match-up against the TrailBlazers who enter the game off a 4-2 loss against the Tsumani who pulled out the win with two goals in the third.

Both teams are looking to advance in the standings as they get close to the mid-season break which are not hosting a winter classic as in the past which was played at the Minoru Arena in Richmond.

Entering the game the Sockeyes are currently sitting in third knowing that a win would put them tied with the Ice Hawks who they would play two nights later at Delta’s Sungod Arena.

In keeping with embracing the community this game is sponsored by Ecowaste with the Anthem sung by Amelia Leung as we welcome Chloe Wang from the Richmond Jets Richmond Dragons U9 C7 carrying the Sockeyes flag during the pre-game warm-up.

In addition, the Sockeyes welcomed three Scout Troops with Scout Leaders to the game from Richmond 10th (Michael Stewart), 7th (Mary Haffey) and Akber Dhanjee from the 27th for the ceremonial face-off.

A win would put the Sockeyes tied in first place with the Ice Hawks setting up a first place match-up a short two nights later which would all depend on Friday’s Ridge Meadows game.

Richmond enters the game with a record of 10 wins, 7 losses, 1 shootout loss sitting with 21 points, two behind Delta while the Trailblazers were sitting with a record of 8 wins, 8 losses, 2 O/T losses for 1 points.  

The game started like a chess match with each team trying to get the early marker but it wasn’t until 18:20 that Nathan Van Hoke (2) gave the home squad the lead with the only assist to Teetawat Pataramasakul (2).

The Sockeyes peppered shots toward the net that were turned aside that allowed Po. Coq to take an 11-8 lead in the shots after one that set up a fast paced second period that saw Dylan Heer (6) give them a 2-0 lead.

Assists on the goal went to Griffin Brown (4) and Liam O’Neill (9) with Richmond playing a more aggressive second with Liam O’Neill giving them a 3-0 lead at 15:52 set up by Devon Mahill (9) AND Andrew Strand (3) while on the power play.

One could sense the frustration that saw the Sockeyes handed a bench minor at the end of the second giving Po. Coq a power play opportunity to start the third along with the stellar play of Po. Coq “tender” Shay McVicker who turned quality shots aside keeping the game in reach.

It wasn’t until 4:07 of the third that Josh Kelly (6) got them on the board on the power play pulling within two.

Sockeye’s Mark Lee (5) gave them a three goal cushion at 11:17 after a long stretch pass from Nathan Van Hoeke (11) and Jonathan Zhang with his 14th assist of the season that would set up an exciting finish.

Given the frustration that one could sense the officials had their hands full controlling the aggressive play eventually exploded that saw Sockeyes Jurzy Allard and  Po. Coq’s Adam Lenarduzzi entertained the fans with the “tilt” they were expecting.

Both received a Major and Game Misconduct’s at 17:11 in the third (which are automatic) with any Major penalty under the Hockey Canada Rules which neither team plays short-handed which is different if each team gets a Minor Penalty.

The game finished up with Liam O’Neill (4) putting the finish on the game with assists to Ronan Coopman (6) and Rowan Duke (4) giving the Sockeyes a 5-1 win, outshooting Po. Coq 41-32 that pulls Richmond even with Delta

The Sockeyes skated away with all three stars with Liam O’Neill (2G/1A) named first star, Nathan Van Hoeke (1G/1A) and Haiden Heide (32SA/31SV) setting up a first place match-up against the Ice Hawks Saturday night.

Entering Saturday’s game Delta has two games in hand with both teams playing eleven games  

Potting 72 goals while Delta has 73 having games in hand while both teams are having a rough time understanding the importance of discipline.

Richmond holds a comfortable first place lead knowing that it could change depending on weekend games but as of press time the Sockeyes sit in first with a comfortable 25 points, two ahead of the Flames, Tsunami and Delta who sit with 23 all with games in hand.

The Sockeyes host the Burnaby Steelers Thursday, November 12th with a 7:00 pm face-off looking to maintain the stranglehold on first place in the Mainland Division as they approach the mid-part of November.

The Sockeyes congratulate both Ermolai Yarygin and Jonathan Zhang on being named to the first ever BCHC 2026 Prospects Game played Tuesday November 22nd at Delta’s Sungod Arena. 

The game will have 40 players selected consisting of two coaching staffs where each drafted 12 forwards, six defencemen and two goaltenders from a shared players from all four BCHC divisions.

The Sockeyes congratulate Melody Davidson, Todd Nicholson and Hayley Wickenheiser on being the newest Distinguished Honourees of the Order of Hockey in Canada.