For the second straight year, Minoru Arena is hosting the Pacific Junior Hockey League Winter Classic, starting on New Year’s Day.
The showcase event will feature all of the league’s 10 teams playing two of their regular season games over the three days. The Winter Classic was introduced as part of the PJHL’s 50th anniversary season. Thanks to a big commitment from the Sockeyes, it will be a fixture on the schedule for at least the next few years.
The format is ideal for scouts from junior and university programs who get to see all of the league’s players at the same venue.
“We are committed to making this an annual event; we’ve signed an agreement with the City of Richmond for five more years,” said PJHL Winter Classic chair and Sockeyes co-owner Doug Paterson. “Even though it’s two league games, we have three games back-to-back-to-back and it gives you that feel of a tournament and the enthusiasm that goes with it.”
Paterson had high praise for the club’s loyal volunteer game day staff with many working all three days of the Winter Classic. A new addition for the fans this year is a beer garden, thanks to a close working relationship with the city.
The host team will be taking plenty of momentum into the new year, losing just once in its last six games to climb within three points of the Grandview Steelers for second place in the Tom Shaw Conference. Richmond (16-9-2) came through with a big 6-3 road win over the Abbotsford Pilots on Dec. 23 thanks to three unanswered goals in the final period.
Local product Alex McLeod scored twice to lead the outburst. Brodie Crawford added some insurance with a late power play goal. Arjun Badh and Brett Gelz also scored for Richmond, while Merek Pipes made 29 saves for the win.
The Sockeyes also rallied one night earlier for a 3-2 home ice win over the Mission City Outlaws. Connor Alderson tied the game at 2-2 early in the third period, setting the stage for Crawford’s second of the night and game winner midway through the period.
Pipes now has 13 wins on the season.
PJHL Winter Classic Schedule
Sunday, Jan. 1
1 p.m. Mission vs Port Moody
4 p.m. Abbotsford vs Ridge Meadows
7 p.m. Aldergrove vs Richmond
Monday, Jan. 2
10 a.m. Surrey vs Abbotsford
1 p.m. Ridge Meadows vs Grandview
4 p.m. Port Moody vs North Vancouver
7 p.m. Delta vs Aldergrove
Tuesday, Jan. 3
1 p.m. North Vancouver vs Mission
4 p.m. Grandview vs Delta
7 p.m. Surrey vs Richmond
