It's a good thing the Richmond Sockeyes have an ownership group that is passionate about junior hockey and the storied franchise.
For the second time in five years, the Sockeyes are headed to the Keystone Cup Western Canadian Championships and with that comes a hefty bill.
After reaching deep in their pockets to attend the 2009 event in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the Sockeyes are having to do it again, this time to get to St. Malo, Manitoba for the six team tournament that starts Thursday.
Moments after winning the Cyclone Taylor Cup provincial championship on Sunday afternoon in Courtenay, the Sockeyes were scrambling to make travel arrangements.
B.C. Hockey provided no favours by pushing the provincials back a week for a It's costing the club an estimated $70,000 for the five day trip, which includes 35 last-minute airline tickets at $800 each. The hotel, team meals and ground transportation also have to be taken care of. The only thing done for participating teams was a block of hotel rooms had been reserved. The Sockeyes will get a small amount of money from the Pacific International Junior Hockey League and can also apply for a traveling grant from B.C. Hockey but are on the hook for everything else.
Attending this year's Westerns was a big enough concern that potential participating teams were asked back in January if they intended on going. Cyclone Taylor Cup hosts Comox Valley Glacier Kings were among the clubs that declined.
The Sockeyes did generate some extra revenue with this year's playoff run but only played eight home games in three series, thanks to sweeps of North Delta and Aldergrove. They also won't be dipping into their highly successful scholarship program that has several fund raiser events throughout the year, including the annual alumni game.
"We are going to be reaching out for a little bit of help but at the end of the day we will be reaching into our wallets too," said Doug Paterson, part of an ownership group that also includes his brother Ron, along with Maurice Lambert, Barry Watson and Bruce Mathers. "There was a cost going to provincials too but we wanted to make sure that everyone who played a big part in our success this season had the opportunity to be there.
"This a great group of guys on and off the ice that has a really good chance to get it done this week."
The team leaves for St. Malo Wednesday morning and will return home Sunday or Monday.
There is good news should the Sockeyes enjoy similar success next season. The 2014 Keystone Cup will be hosted by the Abbotsford Pilots.
