The uniforms might have changed a little over the past four decades, but the passion that the Sockeyes hockey players display during each game hasnt.
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, weve 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 hes 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. Thats 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.
Its 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.
