The Richmond Sockeyes will have a new goaltender in the mix when they open training camp Sunday.
The Pacific Junior Hockey League club has acquired the playing rights to Nathan Alalouf from Osoyoos of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League for future considerations. In 15 appearances with the Coyotoes last season, Alalouf posted a 10-2 record with a 3.19 goals against average and a .911 save percentage.
The 18-year-old South Delta native began the 2013-14 campaign with the Western Hockey League’s Saskatoon Blades before being reassigned to the KIJHL. He previously spent two seasons in the B.C. Major midget Hockey League with the Greater Vancouver Canadians, posting a 10-5 record with a 2.59 GAA in his final campaign.
Richmond currently have two goalies on its training camp roster, including sophomore 18-year-old Kurt Russell. The Surrey native went 9-2-1 last season with a 2.63 GAA, playing behind graduated veteran Kootenay Alder. Also in the mix is local product Adam Cronier.
The Sockeyes hit the ice for the first time on Sunday night at Minoru Arenas’ stadium rink and will continue to practice every other day, leading up to their only pre-season game on Sept. 4 at home against the Aldergrove Kodiaks. The regular season starts Sept. 11 when Richmond hosts Grandview.
Under coach Judd Lambert, the Sockeyes are coming off another impressive campaign that saw them post a league best 34-5-3-2 record in the regular season and eventually lose to Aldergrove in game seven of the PJHL championship series.
While the club has lost key players to graduation and the higher levels of junior hockey, including 17-year-old leading scorer John Wesley to the Vancouver Giants, some are slated to return. Among them are veterans Matthew Bissett, Daniel Oakley, Mac Colasimone, Troy Kaczynski and Tyler Andrews.
