We first met Grayson and his Family earlier this year at the Kids Sport Gala held at Tsawassen Springs and since then his “dream” has become reality.

At our first meeting I introduced him to the Vancouver Giants coaching staff at their training camp held at the Ladner Leisure Centre where the coaches were extremely gracious to chat with him which doesn’t always happen.

I mention that only due to the busy schedule that everyone has in today’s world, but regardless it was impressive to see it happen, so again thanks to the Vancouver Giants and especially Nathan Kanter.

Since the last time I posted Grayson’s world has taken off faster than the Snowbirds at the Boundary Bay Airshow this past July which continues to soar to new heights helping those less fortunate.

We all know that the cost of sporting equipment isn’t cheap in today’s world and heaven forbid for  single parents it’s even more expensive which is where Kids Sport comes into the picture.

Grayson has had the privilege to be the 7th skater on the ice with the following teams such as Delta Ice Hawks, Vancouver Canucks, Abbotsford Canucks, White Rock Whalers and the Surrey Eagles to name a few. In addition he was picked for the Athlete of the week for CTV 1130.

Knowing that he was going to the Canucks game I reached out to a good friend and Canuck Announcer Al Murdoch who along with Canuck staff brought him up to the media booth which I  graciously appreciated.

Personally I’m thrilled for the success he has taken his “dream” to for those less fortunate and if you ask him there’s no such thing as taking no for an answer.

It only goes that with his big heart and even bigger dreams, Grayson proudly shared his Play It Forward stickers with his team who  are helping spread the message that no child should go without sports gear.

The idea was his alone and did not come from any organization or minor Association and if any are trying to take the idea and run with it – think twice it comes from an eight-year old boy!!

The Giants embraced this as did minor Junior teams as did the local pro teams so that we can continue to come together and make a difference one stop, one voice and one child at a time.

There will be a sale upcoming next spring in North Delta Saturday March 14th from 10 -2 held at the New Hope Church so make the date on your calendar and put it in your planner so you don’t miss out with all donations and funds raised going to Kids Sport Delta.

Anyone wishing to  contact him can do so via his e-mail which is controlled by Adults is grayson@playitforwardsportsdelta.com and if you can’t reach him contact me at sportswave@dccnet.com 

If you need any stickers let me know and I’ll get them to you

Thanks for supporting Grayson – it’s something you won’t regret!!!!!

The post Donations Continue Supporting Grayson’s Dream first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Returning home continues to be home ice motivation and given the support they receive they jumped out to an early lead in the second period against the Flames.

This game saw Richmond’s Quinn Orr get his third of the season after a scoreless first period managing to get set-up by Brody Lindal and Joshua Mytton.    

Knowing the pressure was on, it was David Yoon who finished a nice three way passing play at 6:12 that saw Dylan Nazareth and William Huo give them an early mid period 2-1 lead.

The Flames simply aren’t used to trailing in any game and you could sense that it wouldn’t be long before they got on the board getting their first at 7:48 on the power play making it a 2-1 contest.

The Sockeyes held the lead in the shot department after two periods by a narrow 25-21 and despite a strong start the Flames Manny Sandhu got his second of the game tying the game at two that put extra pressure on the Sockeyes.

The previous meeting September 30th saw the Flames not only outshoot the Sockeyes by 32-26 they also stole a 4-3 win  giving them their first loss of the season and that alone never sat well with the team.

With the time coming to an end and many pondering the game going to overtime, pressure was clearly on the Sockeyes that saw Quinn Orr get his second of the game, hammering a blistering shot from the point for the 3-2 win at 19:40.

To the frustration of the Flames they pulled out all stops only to come up short, unable to get the tying goal giving the Sockeyes to the delight of the fans in a contest that took 2:25 to play.

Richmond grabbed the games first two stars with the games first star to Quinn Orr,(2 G/0A) second star to David Yoon (1G/!A) with the games third to Flames Matthew Candusson who faced 56 shots stopping 53.

This season the Sockeyes welcomed a rare Saturday night game a short two nights later taking on the newly named Burnaby Steelers with a 5:45 pm start.

To no surprise they jumped out to another fast start with David Yoon (10th) opening the scoring at 10:19 with William Huo and Dylan Nazareth getting helpers that was the start of the first four.

Calgary’s Keelan Wyke got his second of the season and put the Sockeyes up by two with Brody Lindal and Teo Lin setting him up for a goal that was a long time coming with Dad in the stands watching.

We continue to mention shots on goal and this period was no different outshooting the Steelers by a 18-3 margin which everyone is getting used to.

The second saw Brody Lindal (3rd) at the three minute mark with Keelan Wyke and Jonathan Zhang working magic, setting him up for the 3-0 lead.

We are getting used to things coming in pairs for either a goal and an assist knowing that it was Dylan Nazareth getting his second point of the game with David Yoon and William Huo adding points to their total for a 4-0 lead.

With the second coming to a close the Steelers Trevor Chin put them on the board with the Sockeyes holding a 4-1 lead after forty minutes and holding onto a 25-10 lead in shots.

Richmond’s Kai Adano opened the scoring in the third at 1:15 with Lindal and Lin on the set up only to have the Steelers Ryan McCauley getting a power play goal making it a 5-2 Sockeyes lead.

Often goals can motivate and the Steelers previous goal gave the bench confidence allowing Amendo Sim get his first of the season pulling the visitors within two making it a 5-3.

The Steelers pressed only to have Calgary’s Carter Voll (5th) with assists to both Jonathan Zhang and Keelan Wyke giving them a 6-3 win.

To no surprise Keelan Wyke (1G/2A) was named first star, Dylan Nazareth (1G/1A) second star and Amadeo Sim (1G/1A) the games third star outshooting the visiting Steelers 48-20.

Next up saw the visiting Tsumani visit the “Fish Tank” who trail in the shot department with the Sockeyes holding first place with 22 points while  the visitors sitting forth in the standing with 14 points.

This game is extra special because the boys will be hitting the ice with pink stick tape in support of breast cancer awareness and we’ve all lost a loved one due to such a vicious disease still looking for a cure.

In conversation with some of the players they were thrilled  to support “Breast Cancer Awareness” and as a couple have mentioned “everyone has lost someone to cancer so giving our support to this is extra special.”

Sockeyes Beaudy Beaudin got the scoring started at 1:02 in after a long end to end rush set up by Captain Teo Lin followed by one from Carter Voll at 10:53 and one from Dylan Nazareth closing out the first with the 3-0 lead.

The second started with another strong performance scoring another three as Melbourne’s Brody Lindal managed a shorthanded marker set up from Teo lIn at 10:51 for their second of the period from David Yoon and a third from William Huo giving them a 6-0 lead after two  as well as outshooting the Tsunami by 22-4.

David Yoon and Dylan Nazareth each got their second of the game for an impressive 8-0 win outshooting the visitors 55-24.

Join the Sockeyer for Halloween in the Fish Tank and dress up in a Halloween Costume for free entry and check out the “kids Zone for fun activities and treats

The post Sockeyes Support Breast Cancer Awareness first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

When you finally get in touch with them after a while they just mention that they were busy, which is true, but being tardy isn’t an excuse when they are trying to promote amateur sports.

We recently received info from the BCHL regarding the league’s All-Star Weekend which is being held in Spruce Grove, Alta. at Thompson Family Arena Jan. 16 to 18, 2026 which is the home rink of the Spruce Grove Saints. 

The Saints joined the BCHL in 2024 and currently in their second full season that saw the new rink open September 19th and seats 1,665-seats with the team’s first regular season played in front of a packed house. 

 Commissioner Steven Cocker mentioned “The BCHL is excited to make our league-wide event debut in Alberta with this year’s All-Star Weekend in Spruce Grove,” 

He continued “We witnessed firsthand this state-of-the-art facility at the Saints’ home-opener and were immediately impressed by the facility and local support. We can’t wait to get out there in January and showcase the best the league has to offer.”

Saints owner Lindsey Leckelt mentioned “Being awarded the 2026 BCHL All-Star Weekend is a tremendous honor for the Spruce Grove Saints and the City of Spruce Grove,” 

Continuing on to mention “The Thompson Family Arena will provide a state-of-the-art experience for this showcase and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome players, families and fans from across the league.”

“This event is about more than hockey – it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit, hospitality and passion for the game. We’re proud to share this milestone with our supporters and look forward to creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

This is the fourth time the BCHL will host All-Star Weekend in recent years with last season’s event taking place in Salmon Arm, B.C.

For the second year in a row, the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) will be part of the event, and this year, the Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL) will also participate in the festivities.

“Since we debuted this event in 2022, it has become one of the most anticipated weekends on the BCHL calendar,” said Connor Ewert, Events Manager for the league. “This year, we are looking forward to introducing an exciting new format that will give the fans in Spruce Grove a unique and entertaining experience, while also keeping the foundation of what makes this event special.”

No doubt the game will be played in front of a packed house!!

The post BCHL All-Star Game In Spruce Grove first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

The following is the press release  and thanks to Christopher Séguin, Media Relations Manager

Enjoy the read:

As the National Hockey League (NHL) drops the puck on its 2025-26 season tonight, 402 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) graduates from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) are featured on NHL Opening Night rosters — accounting for nearly 50% of all players in the league, once again the highest representation of any development league in the world.

By league, the group includes 187 OHL, 145 WHL, and 71 QMJHL alumni (see complete list by clicking this link), reinforcing the CHL’s position as the premier pipeline to the NHL. 

This season, 59 of the CHL’s 61 member clubs have at least one graduate on an NHL roster, led by 20 players who competed in the CHL just last year — a group highlighted by Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL), Sharks forward Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Predators forward Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Penguins forward Ben Kindel (Calgary Hitmen / WHL), and Canucks forward Braeden Cootes (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL). 

These five were among 21 CHL players selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, and each competed in the inaugural 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, held less than a year ago in London and Oshawa, Ont.

All 32 NHL clubs feature at least one CHL graduate on their Opening Night roster. The Washington Capitals lead all teams with 17, followed by the New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken, and Vegas Golden Knights with 16 each, while the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Winnipeg Jets each boast 15.

With over 390 CHL alumni in the NHL for a sixth consecutive season, the CHL continues to be the top source of talent for the National Hockey League.

Stories To Follow:

• Heading into this new NHL season, 24 CHL alumni are looking to make their NHL debuts, including Penguins defenceman Harrison Brunicke (Kamloops Blazers / WHL), Sharks defenceman Sam Dickinson (London Knights / OHL), Flames forward Matvei Gridin (Shawinigan Cataractes / QMJHL), Kraken forward Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs / WHL), Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie (Kamloops Blazers / WHL), Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke (Oshawa Generals / OHL), and Wild forward Hunter Haight (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)
• 11 CHL graduates are chasing their 1,000th NHL career game, including Oilers forward Adam Henrique (Windsor Spitfires / OHL), Stars forward Tyler Seguin (Plymouth Whalers / OHL), Flames forward Nazem Kadri (Kitchener Rangers / OHL), Devils defenceman Brenden Dillon (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL), Jets forward Nino Niederreiter (Portland Winterhawks / WHL), Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Red Deer Rebels / WHL), Blue Jackets forward Charlie Coyle (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL), Golden Knights forward Brandon Saad (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), Wild defenceman Jared Spurgeon (Spokane Chiefs / WHL), Canucks forward Evander Kane (Vancouver Giants / WHL), and Minnesota Wild defenceman Zach Bogosian (Peterborough Petes / OHL).
• All four active NHL players who are within 50 points of reaching 1,000 career points are from the CHL: Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / QMJHL), Panthers forward Brad Marchand (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL), Stars forward Jamie Benn (Kelowna Rockets / WHL), and Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL).
• Nine of the 11 active NHL players who are within 50 goals of reaching 400 career goals are from the CHL: Stars forward Jamie Benn (Kelowna Rockets / WHL), Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL), Sharks forward Jeff Skinner (Kitchener Rangers / OHL), Stars forward Matt Duchene (Brampton Battalion / OHL), Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL), Senators forward Claude Giroux (Gatineau Olympiques / QMJHL), Oilers forward Connor McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL), Stars forward Tyler Seguin (Plymouth Whalers / OHL), and Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / QMJHL).
• Entering the 2025-26 season with 925 consecutive NHL games, Colorado Avalanche defenceman Brent Burns (Brampton Battalion / OHL) could become only the second player in NHL history to appear in 1,000 straight games.
• Oilers forward Connor McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL) enters the 2025-26 season on the cusp of several historic milestones — needing just 18 points in 12 games to become the third-fastest player in NHL history to reach 1,100 career points, while also aiming to become only the third player ever with nine 100-point seasons and the eighth to record six in a row.
• Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL) enters the season closing in on a major milestone — he can become the fourth-fastest active player to reach 400 career goals, and one of the 10 fastest players born outside North America to achieve the feat in NHL history.
• Needing just 38 assists to become the eighth player in NHL history to reach 1,100 career assists, Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL) could achieve the milestone in the third-fewest games ever if he does so within the next 80 contests.
• Two-time reigning Art Ross winner Nikita Kucherov (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / QMJHL) enters 2025-26 just six points from 1,000. Another 80-assist campaign – his fourth in a row – would see Tampa Bay’s all-time assists leader join CHL alumnus Wayne Gretzky (Soo Greyhounds / OHL) as the only players ever to hit that mark in four consecutive seasons.
• The Florida Panthers begin their quest for a third straight Stanley Cup and a fourth consecutive Final appearance – a feat achieved by only three franchises in NHL history (most recently the Islanders from 1979–83).
• With 10 CHL alumni on their roster, the 2024-25 champions extended a dominant trend – the seventh straight season in which the Stanley Cup winner featured at least 10 CHL graduates.

News and Notes:

• Ben Kindel (Calgary Hitmen / WHL) and Harrison Brunicke (Kamloops Blazers / WHL) are poised to become just the third pair of teenagers in Pittsburgh Penguins history to debut in the same game — and the first since CHL alumni Kris Letang (Val-d’Or Foreurs / QMJHL) and Jordan Staal (Peterborough Petes / OHL) did so 19 years ago.
• Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog (Kitchener Rangers / OHL) is set to play his first regular-season game in more than 1,300 days when Colorado faces Los Angeles, marking another major step in his comeback after returning to the lineup during the 2025 NHL Playoffs.
• Entering his 19th season as captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL) matches CHL alumnus Steve Yzerman (Peterborough Petes, OHL / Detroit Red Wings) for the longest captaincy in NHL history, with both serving as team captain for 19 consecutive seasons.
• 22 of the NHL’s 32 head coaches either previously coached and/or played in the CHL, including five CHL alumni who have new coaching roles to start the 2025-26 season: Joel Quenneville (Anaheim Ducks), Glen Gulutzan (Dallas Stars), Rick Tocchet (Philadelphia Flyers), Lane Lambert (Seattle Kraken), and Adam Foote (Vancouver Canucks).
• Behind the bench and beyond: Over 200 CHL alumni are serving in coaching, hockey operations, or support staff roles across the NHL this season — with at least one CHL graduate represented on every one of the league’s 32 teams.
• Entering the 2025-26 season, 18 CHL alumni will wear the “C” for their NHL clubs — including Rangers forward J.T. Miller (Plymouth Whalers / OHL), the only newly named captain in the League heading into opening night.

The post CHL Graduates In Opening NHL Night Roster first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Enjoy the read:

Jaw opened the scoring off the rush just past the halfway point of the first period, when Nagel went to the net and put home a rebound off Hood’s left pad.

Oreskovic then drew a penalty that led to a Halaburda power play goal less than two minutes later.

Lakovic scored on a breakaway 32 seconds after Halaburda tied the game, giving the Warriors a 2-1 lead at the 12:49 mark of the first period.

Another Moose Jaw penalty a few minutes later resulted in another Giants power play goal, and yet again it was courtesy of Halaburda. 

His first was a shot from the bottom of the right circle that caught former teammate Matthew Hutchison off guard, but this time he slammed home a rebound after Cameron Schmidt drew all the attention to him before firing the puck on goal from the top of the left circle.

When the first period came to a close, the score was 2-2.

Oreskovic gave the Giants their first lead of the game 3:40 into the second period, after a great net drive from Aaron Obobaifo. 

Rookie Richard Wonyeneh picked up his first career WHL point with a secondary assist.

Late in the period, Chorney extended Vancouver’s lead to 4-2 after getting a stretch pass at the offensive blue line from Lin. 

Chorney had just enough for a partial break, and did well to protect the puck from the defenceman who caught him, before shovelling the puck past Hutchison along the ice.

Carter got the Warriors to within a goal with a power play marker midway through the third period, but that was as close as they’d come.

Tomik scored into the empty net with 11 seconds remaining to make the final score 5-3.

THEY SAID IT

“We’re very proud of the group. They battled through a lot last game. Obviously we felt like we deserved better there with the Swift Current game…We got off to a good start in the game and just stuck to it. 

We had a great second period, which has been our downfall to start the year, so it was awesome to see. A lot of guys stepped up and played like men.”  – Giants Assistant Coach Gaelan Patterson

“Knowing the situation – being aware of what’s going on on the ice [was key]. I think everyone tonight was a student on the bench. Sometimes junior hockey players can get distracted, but they kept their focus on the game and everyone was ready to go right when they got on the ice.” – Giants Assistant Coach Gaelan Patterson

“At the end of the day it’s stepping up and playing like a pro. I have to shout out Marek Howell. Led the way with [blocking shots] – ate some tough shots and that really got us by obviously. He really stepped up and it’s awesome for the group. Guys were so excited on the bench. It was great to see.” – Giants Assistant Coach Gaelan Patterson

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL POST-GAME INTERVIEW

STATISTICS

SOG: VAN —14/8/4 = 26 | MJ – 8/10/10 = 28
PP: VAN—2/5 | MJ — 1/4
Face-Offs: VAN — 31 | MJ — 32

GOALTENDING BATTLE

Vancouver: WIN – Burke Hood (25 saves / 28 shots)
Moose Jaw: LOSS – Matthew Hutchison (21 saves / 25 shots )

UPCOMING

The Giants continue their East Division road trip on Tuesday night in Saskatoon, with puck drop scheduled for 6 p.m. PDT against the Blades. 

The following night they face the Prince Albert Raiders at 6 p.m. PDT.

Vancouver finishes their road trip with games in Brandon and Regina next Friday and Saturday.

The post GIANTS BEAT WARRIORS 5-3 first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Where to play, what Junior leagues to get involved with and what will or possibly happen when  trading dead-line comes around?

That question alone has several players, coaches and yes even the player agents working to all decide what’s best for their respective players.

First let’s understand what non-sanctioned hockey actually is which on the BC Hockey site listed as any hockey programming (ice times, practices, games, tournaments, etc.) that occurs outside of the membership oversight of BC Hockey and Hockey Canada. 

There is non-sanctioned hockey happening every day, and participants are free to enjoy the game as they wish, but most organized amateur hockey in Canada (both competitive and recreational) does occur within the oversight of a Hockey Canada member or partner.

Non-sanctioned hockey, and Non-Sanctioned Leagues, are those formed and delivered outside of Hockey Canada’s membership, and therefore outside of the rules, regulations, process, safeguards, and oversight of the national governing body. 

Here’s the formal definition:

Non-Sanctioned Leagues include any amateur hockey league or program that operates in Canada outside of Hockey Canada registration and sanctioning. Hockey Canada and BC Hockey have no regulatory authority over unsanctioned leagues.

We had this sent to us for your reading noting that everyone has to make their own choice which can be a tough decision for not just the players, the parents but also the scouting crew.

The following note is from a parent who is quite blunt with the comments – enjoy the read:

Because people are realizing that “pay to play” hockey isn’t the answer. You get promises of 60-80 games a year, travel across the country to play in “showcases” all with the promise that your kid will get noticed by scouts. 

At the end of the day Junior programs are run by individuals who are out to make a quick buck on the back of parents’ egos. 

Bring back community based hockey! I’m not just picking on hockey either…it’s the same in every sport. 

A true epidemic. 

Why are we ripping our children away from home at such a young age only for them to be lost with no future in hockey by the time they’re 21 and already behind 3 years in college?

Not only is the unrest in the hockey world taking its toll on the players this is the most recent thing that might take its toll on Junior player(s).

We are hearing that any individual teams may be refusing to issue passes to scouts or coaches representing American colleges and according to what we’re told if you want in – buy a ticket!!

In addition the PJHL suspended the Cloverdale franchise which we are hearing that given the situation any decision is now in the courts as we have been told which we’ll let play out.

Earlier today I got an e-mail letting me know that the Bellingham Blazers Junior Hockey team who have operated for over 10 years at the Whatcom Sports & Recreation won’t be competing in the USPHL Premier league this season.

It was a difficult decision to suspend play for the 2025-2026 season due to many new and significant challenges facing the Blazers Junior Hockey program and not easy by any decision.

Moving forward they have their sights set on assessing the Blazers’ future direction and developing a sustainable plan for the long-term health of the Blazers Junior Hockey Organization.

On a Facebook post they listed “We are incredibly proud of the coaches, players, and teams that have represented Bellingham and Whatcom County over the years and we are also deeply grateful for the time and passion of our fans, billets, staff, volunteers, and sponsors who have supported us throughout this journey.”

Also noting that the Blazers community has always been the heart and soul of our program noting that they thank the community for being a part of the Blazers family and for their continued support and understanding through all of these challenging times.

We look forward to sharing our future plans and hope to see you at the rink soon.

The Sportsplex “Ice Rink” and “Indoor Fields” will continue to be an enormous asset to our community, and we will continue to focus on our mission of providing opportunities for youth activities in Whatcom County.

We are excited to see what the future brings and thanks to everyone who was a part of the Blazers family.

Sad to hear but no doubt they’ll rebound – just not sure when??

The post What’s Happening With Junior Hockey? first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Given the success of the Sockeyes organization and winning tradition congratulations go out to the 1986-87 Richmond Sockeyes, achieved remarkable success by clinching multiple titles, including the prestigious Centennial Cup. 

The team won the Mowat Cup as BC Junior A champions, the Doyle Cup playing Alberta’s champions, the Abbott Cup over Saskatchewan’s top team giving them the Centennial Cup championship in Humboldt.

Canucks broadcaster Dave Tomlinson led the team in scoring in 51 regular season games with 43 goals and 65 assists for 108 points while Jason Phillips was top scorer and Centennial Cup MVP.

Changes in the off-season saw the hiring of a new coach Scott Hewson who played three seasons (1995-96 to 1997-98) in the BCJHL with the Penticton Panthers.

He elevated his career to play with Bowling Green University for four seasons then taking his skills to play in the East Coast Hockey League from the 2003 – 2004 seasons.

For players they have to understand that while you can be a star player on one team playing multiple shifts per game doesn’t mean that will continue at the next level of the game, which he knows first hand.

He returned to North Vancouver where he coached in the CSSHL for three seasons knowing that the first item on his agenda is to gain the trust of the players to play for the crest on the front of the sweater rather than the name on the back.

Gaining the trust of the players is one of the most important qualities any coach must understand which has changed from yesteryear having a goal to help the players reach the next level of their career.

It’s important for players to learn at each level of the game that they advance too given the opportunities they are given.

Teams make changes and bring in new personnel as they are wanting to win which the Sockeyes have as a top priority this season.

Joining Scott on the bench are Matthew Stewart (player development/Assistant GM) and Assistant Coaches Bob Delorme and Andrew Wolf who bring a wealth of hockey knowledge to the Richmond Sockeyes.

The off-season saw changes within the league with a two division league with the Sockeyes playing in the Tom Shaw division who was the league President as well as a Richmond resident in the 1980s.

The league continues to take major steps forward allowing the PJHL to play for Hockey Canada’s Centennial Cup emblematic of Junior A hockey supremacy in Canada.

Given pre-season play the coaching staff are still evaluating players at camp who are looking to “crack” the line-up to fill vacant positions knowing that some of last year’s players are at other camps wanting to elevate their game.

Knowing this the team wish them all the best while on a positive note returning this year is Sockeyes Captain Teo Lin who finished last season with 32 goals, 36 assists, 7 power play goals and 4 short handed goals in regular season play.

In playoff action he collected 6 goals, 1 assist and 1 power play goal in 11 games who no doubt will again  be the team leader offering mentorship to the new players on the Sockeyes roster.

Currently the Sockeyes are still playing pre-season exhibition games as the coaching staff have  goaltending positions to fill with both Max Fowle and Mathias Hasselmann signing with other clubs in the off-season with three currently signed. 

The Sockeyes have acquired David Yoon from the North Vancouver Wolf Pack in exchange for future considerations as well  as  Keelan Wyke who played last season with the Border Bruins in the KIJHL

In addition the Sockeyes have acquired Brydy Lindal who played last season in the VIJHL as well as Dylan Nazzartth who played in Saskatchewan for LaRonge Ice Wolves finishing the season with 16 points in 43 games. 

Adding to the broadcast team this year is Steve Daniel who is the official statistician for the CFL and is the only pro sports analyst/statistician inducted into any Hall of Fame, NHL, CFL, Major League Baseball, NFL,

For Steve Daniel, from a colour broadcaster and team stats analyst point of view, as we head into the 2025/26 season there is of course much to think about. 

 Every club goes through change in the off-season and this year is certainly no exception.  

With new coaches and an even more upgraded roster, this year has plenty of promise already. 

Though the club’s final roster is not quite set, you can expect some turnover to be sure and new skills. 

If the Sockeyes can hold onto their high producers from last season with a mix in some young ’09’ talent it promises to be another solid 2025-26 campaign for the Sockeyes. 

And that makes it fun for the commentary side on our broadcasts and in our reports for the Sentinel.

With Junior 1 Tier 1 hockey now a reality, access to the highest level of Junior talent increases and that shows up on the ice in an even greater performance level. 

In the many analytical areas that we track such as goal differential, shot attempts, net front shots on goal, fewer Defensive Zone Turnovers and the like, we will likely see even better results than in 24/25. 

Early indications from pre-season games have shown our coaches to be open to stats-based ideas and ‘tracking the data’ to demonstrate areas where we are strong and some things that need improvement. 

That is the true purpose for analytics in hockey which we will keep you up to date in the stat’s department.

The post Sockeyes Kick Start New Season first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

This past spring both Kevin and myself at Eastlink TV covered an event that was focused on helping to promote and grow sports for others and that was when I met Grayson and Family.

I had the chance to chat with the Family at the Kids Sport Gala which is always sold out and as it worked out Grayson was the “special” guest speaker.

For a young person not having been placed in this position in the past he was shy at first but eventually opened up to the special guest host which happened to be  Richmond’s Olympic Race Walker Evan Dunfee.

The event finished that saw funds raised for a good cause and that was the last time I spoke with Grayson until last week when out of the blue his Mom sent me a note telling me of something new he is involved in.

While attending the Giants training camp I had a chance to chat and mention this to Nathan Kanter, Giants play by play person who helped arrange a meet and greet with the Giants Coaching staff

We met after the first scrimmage Friday where he went into the Giants coaches room where they all spoke with him then they took him in the team dressing room for a photo op.

He was like a “kid in a candy store” absolutely in awe of not just meeting the coaching staff but also being in the dressing room and for someone who you would think was shy he spoke like they were his buddies.

He has a dream to start what he called “Play It Forward Sport”  which is a grassroots project he started and is built on the belief that every child in our Delta community deserves the chance to play the sport they love, no matter the cost of equipment.

Think what you might but was a great concept for him to come up with which I for one applaud as a young eight-year old to conjure up as a hockey player with a big heart having a dream of helping one child at a time!!

Photo’s below Nathan Kanter Giants Play by Play and the logo Grayson designed

In today’s world it seems that if you want to know something “ask a child” and they’ll tell you what they think and unlike some adults they don’t sugar coat the topic which I sincerely appreciate.

He also has stickers which are rather exceptional looking if I do say so myself and if you need some let me know or contact Grayson and we’ll get them to you and without forgetting “THE GIANTS COACHING STAFF” have some.

He designed our logo himself, imagining a future where no child goes without simply because they don’t have the gear to play.

The dream became Play It Forward Sport and far too often, kids are left watching from the sidelines. 

Parents are faced with heartbreaking choices between groceries, bills, and the gear that allows their child to feel included, confident, and proud.

We believe in changing that story

We collect new and gently used gear for sports hockey, soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball, because every child deserves the joy, growth, and life lessons that sports provide, then donations are donated back into the community to associations or community centres to fill the gap.

Grayson’s dream is now ours too: a community where no child goes without, to feel empowered.

Contact:  Grayson@playitforwardsportsdelta.com

This is only the start for a youngster who has a “big dream” so let’s all pull together and help Grayson out.

Get involved – help Grayson help others!!!!

SPECIAL THANKS TO NATHAN KANTER AND THE VANCOUVER GIANTS COACHING STAFF FOR TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE GRAYSON FEEL SO VERY WELCOME .

ON A SIDE NOTE – THE GIANTS HAVE SOME STICKERS WHICH THEY LOVE AND WISH HIM ALL THE BEST!!!!

The post Our Why – Why Not!!! first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.