The uniforms might have changed a little over the past four decades, but the passion that the Sockeyes hockey players display during each game hasn't.
So says Barry Watson, one of the owners of the long-running Sockeyes - the local Junior B hockey league that is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
"We are developing a reputation as probably one the best organized junior B teams in the province," added Watson. "Ken Kirby owned the franchise for about seven or eight years and when he approached us to buy it; it really was an easy sell."
Watson, along with his partners of six years - brothers Doug and Ron Paterson, Maurice Lambert and Bruce Mathers - are all longtime Richmondites who all love the team and the game of hockey.
"The reason I bought in was simple," said Watson. "I love this community and I want to see the Sockeyes continue to be part of it."
Watson said this current ownership is deeply committed to the Sockeyes. In fact, the owners have spent approximately $15,000 of their own money in upgrades to the Minoru facilities.
"Over the last three years, we've paid to put in a new venting system in the changing rooms, as well as new benches, lockers, carpets and showers."
This year, the team brought in a new coach, Aaron Wilbur. Wilbur comes with a wealth of hockey experience.
"Aaron is in his 30s and he's had past experience in the BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League) Junior A League as well as the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League," he said. "Aaron is doing a great job and the players really like his style of coaching."
Today, the roster of 23 players, ages 16 to 20, has a number of standouts.
Its goalie, 16-year-old Peyton Lee, originally from Kamloops, has "the potential to make it in a professional league."
"We are in first spot right now . we recently beat the two top teams in the league, the Delta Ice Hawks and the Abbotsford Pilots," Watson added.
The Sockeyes typically recruit from within Richmond, however, like Lee; there are some players who have been scouted from across the province.
"We have to look elsewhere because every year, the Sockeyes typically lose half a dozen players," he added. "That's because we are grooming these players to make it to the next level."
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, a book of season tickets, which normally sell for $175, is now on sale for $100.
"It's really a great night out and you are supporting our local young athletes," said Watson, adding the Sockeyes won the Canadian Keystone Cup in 2009.
The Sockeyes play every Thursday night at 7: 30 p.m. at Minoru Arenas.
