The Richmond Sockeyes have welcomed back a key player from their 2011 championship team for the stretch run of the season.
Forward Jake Roder has rejoined the club for his final year of junior eligibility. The 20-year-old from Surrey retired after the Sockeyes' run to the Pacific International Junior Hockey League championship to focus on schooling, including time at the University of Victoria.
Roder should provide Richmond with more scoring depth. He produced a club leading 27 goals and added 26 assists two seasons ago.
To make room on their roster, the Sockeyes traded 18year-old blueliner Rayne Schwinghammer to Port Moody in exchange for future considerations.
Richmond managed to split a home-and-home series with the Grandview Steelers, including a 3-1 victory on Sunday at the Burnaby Winter Club.
Daniel Tait broke a 1-1 deadlock midway through the third period then added an empty netter with 50 seconds remaining. Rudi Thorsteinson had the other Richmond goal, while William Lattimer made 27 saves.
The Sockeyes (18-5-0-1) return action Thursday when the North Vancouver Wolf Pack visit at 7: 30 p.m.
Icing... The Sockeyes are asking fans to bring non-perishable items to their upcoming home games on Dec. 6, 13 and 20 as part of their drive for the Richmond Food Bank.
