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Sockeyes start strong

The Richmond Sockeyes didn't have to wait long for one of their biggest offseason signings to make an impact.

The Richmond Sockeyes didn't have to wait long for one of their biggest offseason signings to make an impact.

Kevan Klistoff scored once and set-up two others as the defending Pacific International Junior Hockey League champions opened the 2011-12 season with a 60 rout of the visiting Mission Icebreakers.

The Langley native is one of just two 16-year-olds junior "B" teams allowed to sign. Richmond native Carter Popoff is the other.

Last season, Klistoff was among the top scorers with the Valley West Hawks of the B.C. Major Midget Hockey League, coupling 45 points in 40 games, including 19 goals.

Popoff also wasted little time in finding the scoresheet in his PIJHL debut, scoring once and assisting on another as the Sockeyes dominated.

The third member of the all-rookie line, 17-year-old Justin Rai, chipped in with a goal and an assist as Richmond outshot the visitors 5325. Rudi Thorsteinson, Connor Wilson and Jeremy Hamaguchi had the other goals. Jonah Imoo earned the shutout.

The Sockeyes return on Thursday when the North Vancouver Wolf Pack visit Minoru Arena at 7: 30 p.m.