The Richmond Sockeyes willl be busy trying to win hockey games over the next couple months as well as fundraise for cancer research.
Last year, the Pacific Junior Hockey League club wore pink socks in October to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month across North America. This season, they are doing even more.
“As a team, we have pledged ourselves to donate $10 for every goal we score and $50 for every win throughout the months of October and November to bring awareness to breast cancer and prostate cancer,” said Sockeyes captain Tyler Andrews.
The goal is to raise $5,000. Donations will also be accepted at home games or fans can go onto the Canadian Cancer Society website and contribute on the Sockeyes’ own designated fundraising page by visiting convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/IFE_BC/IFE_BC_?team_id=367196&pg=team&fr_id=16335#.Wdcw1hNSyqB.
The money raised will help fund leading-edge cancer research that is improving cancer treatments, preventing cancer and saving lives.
“Cancer is a disease that affects everyone and we would sincerely appreciate if you could donate to the cause,” added Andrews.
The Sockeyes are doing their part to get the campaign off to a fast start — producing a pair of wins last week to improve to 5-3-0-1 on the season.
Richmond scored three unanswered goals in the final period to open up a comfortable lead, then hung on for a 6-5 road win over the Aldergrove Kodiaks.
Tyler Paterson led the way with a pair goals. Singles went to Noah Wozney, Roy McClure, Cameron Kovesdi and blueliner Matthew Brown, who was making his season debut, coming off the injury list.
One night later at Minoru Arenas, the Sockeyes scored four times in the third period to defeat the Abbotsford Pilots 5-2.
Andrews broke a 1-1 deadlock and set-up Kovesdi six minutes later for what proved to be the game winner. The 20-year-old continues to lead the PJHL in scoring with 20 points, including nine goals.
Brett Gelz and Shakeel Ebrahim had the other tallies, while Seafair affiliate Hardashan Hoonjan was excellent in net, making 32 saves to earn first star honours.
With veteran Jacob Latrace out for an extended period with a high ankle sprain, the Sockeyes are exploring their options for depth in the goal crease. Former Greater Vancouver Canadians goalie Lukas Shaw is close to returning from an injury and the 17-year-old is expected to see action soon on an AP card.
Meanwhile, reigning PJHL Goalie-of-the Year Marek Pipes could be an option as well. The 18-year-old is currently un-signed but is hoping to catch on with a club in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
Icing..
GM Richard Petrowsky has completed a trio of trades including Kovesdi being sent to Ridge Meadows on the weekend for future considerations. Earlier, Ari Sky was dealt to Grandview for futures.
He also acquired defenceman Marcus Sihota from Mission City.
