Hockey - SportsWave Broadcasting https://www.sportswave.ca "If You Don't Play Sport - At Least Be One" Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:39:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.sportswave.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/cropped-SWLogo2018Transparent-1-32x32.png Hockey - SportsWave Broadcasting https://www.sportswave.ca 32 32 Sportswave Welcomes The Vancouver Goldeneyes https://www.sportswave.ca/sportswave-welcomes-the-vancouver-goldeneyes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sportswave-welcomes-the-vancouver-goldeneyes Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:39:03 +0000 https://www.sportswave.ca/?p=64660 Anyone who knows anything about me knows that not only do I enjoy covering and promoting Amateur sports which are seldom ever covered by the mainstream media which is sad and now we get the chance to cover Professional Women’s Hockey. Sure – we still have skeptics who wonder why but they thankfully are in […]

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Anyone who knows anything about me knows that not only do I enjoy covering and promoting Amateur sports which are seldom ever covered by the mainstream media which is sad and now we get the chance to cover Professional Women’s Hockey.

Sure – we still have skeptics who wonder why but they thankfully are in the minority while the majority are excited to welcome the new Vancouver Goldeneyes pro Women’s hockey team to Vancouver.

They start training camp next week at the PNE Coliseum for two workouts a day for the first week then finalize things both on and off the ice for their home opener, which I hope is packed with everyone welcoming them to Vancouver and area.

Over the past while I have been in conversation with the teams media and community relations Manager Liz Montroy who has promised to send up to date press releases to keep you “in the loop” asking for your support.

I for one along with my Sportswave team as well as Eastlink TV will be covering this event especially on the opening night considering that neither the Canucks or the Warriors are playing so mark the date on your calendar.

The following are the most recent press releases we received from Liz – Enjoy the read!!

The Vancouver Goldeneyes’ logo is inspired by the Common Goldeneye duck species native to the Northern Hemisphere. 

The logo features a golden bird’s eye with a bold, sunset gold color, symbolizing vision, clarity, and focus. 

The eye is surrounded by wings in motion, representing speed, precision, and dynamic spirit. 

The wings are curved, reflecting the natural meeting point of land and ocean in Vancouver’s unique geography. The logo points northwest, grounding the team’s identity in its geographical location.

The design embodies the team’s values of speed, strength, and unity, mirroring the bird’s characteristics. 

According to General Manager Cara Gardner Morey, the Goldeneye’s ability to soar high, dive deep, and move in synchrony reflects the team’s aspirations.

The logo’s color palette includes Pacific Blue, Coastal Cream, and bronze, paying homage to Vancouver’s natural beauty.

Logo Design Elements:

  • Golden Eye: Symbolizes vision, clarity, and focus
  • Wings: Represent speed, precision, and dynamic spirit
  • Pacific Blue and Coastal Cream: Reflect Vancouver’s coastal landscape
  • Bronze: Adds an earthy tone, echoing the city’s natural surroundings

Overall, the logo is a meaningful representation of Vancouver’s spirit and the team’s identity.

What’s the inspiration behind the name?

The Vancouver Goldeneyes got their name from the Common Goldeneye, a bird native to British Columbia’s coastal waters and forested lakes. 

This bird is known for its striking appearance, with piercing yellow eyes and lightning-fast reflexes, making it a fitting symbol for a hockey team. 

The name represents precision, agility, and resilience, qualities that mirror the game of hockey and the athletes who play it.

According to Ali Bologna, PWHL’s Senior Director of Brand & Marketing, the team wanted a name that felt truly unique to Vancouver, reflecting the city’s natural surroundings and authentic outdoor experiences. 

The Goldeneyes logo features a bold golden eye at its center, symbolizing vision, clarity, and focus, with elements that reflect the city’s geography and the bird’s swift movement.

Some notable aspects of the team’s name and logo include²:

Team Identity: The Goldeneyes aim to embody the qualities of the bird, such as speed, agility, and resilience.

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BCHL October Governors Meeting https://www.sportswave.ca/bchl-october-governors-meeting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bchl-october-governors-meeting Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:31:07 +0000 https://www.sportswave.ca/?p=64653 We recently received the following press release from the BCHL regarding their recent Governors Meeting held in Abbotsford where various topics were covered at the Board table. Enjoy the read: Academic Readiness Program Governors discussed the league’s continuing focus on education, including the status of the newly implemented Academic Readiness Program. With the meeting coinciding […]

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We recently received the following press release from the BCHL regarding their recent Governors Meeting held in Abbotsford where various topics were covered at the Board table.

Enjoy the read:

Academic Readiness Program

Governors discussed the league’s continuing focus on education, including the status of the newly implemented Academic Readiness Program.

  • Academic Database has had over 2,000 views from college coaches since its inception
  • BCHL alumni make up 47.4 per cent of all Ivy League hockey players (total of 74)
  • 40 league alumni are currently captains or assistant captains at the NCAA Division I level

With the meeting coinciding with the BCHL Showcase, the league hosted Richard Wolfe and Shawn Burt from the Athlete Development Alliance at the event. 

Wolfe, in his role as the league’s academic consultant, was able to speak with college coaches and scouts about the Academic Readiness Program, receiving valuable feedback about the initiative.

“Since its inception in the summer, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the league’s new Academic Readiness Program,” said BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker. “The number of views that our Academic Database has received in such a short time shows that we are providing second-to-none academic and competitive exposure for our athletes, putting them in the best position possible to succeed at the collegiate level when it comes time for them to make the jump.”

“BCHL athletes have been engrained in the college pathway for years and know the importance that academics plays, as well as the rigours involved in juggling hockey and grades. This will continue to be a priority for our league as we strive to make the BCHL the most efficient and accessible league for colleges”.

The BCHL is continuing to explore ways to evolve the program, including more resources to aid in recruitment, entry requirements to schools and ensuring athletes are thriving once they have graduated from the league.

Scorecard

Governors also discussed the league’s Standards Scorecard, which was introduced in 2021 and has continued to evolve since.

As part of the BCHL’s ongoing mission to raise standards across the league, both on and off the ice, the Board was provided with an update on where teams stand and what the benchmark will be going forward.

“Since it was first implemented, our committees have worked tirelessly to overhaul the scorecard process over the years and, as a result, we have seen significant pay off across the league,” said Rich Murphy, owner of the Trail Smoke Eaters and Chair of the BCHL Board of Governors. “Our owners are competitive and are doing everything they can to show that their programs are among the best in, not only the BCHL, but junior hockey as a whole. Our newest members from Alberta that have hit the ground running since joining our league in 2024 with a number of great facilities and improvements. We are excited to see even more progress and development in the coming years.”

Business Workshop

The 20 team owners and business leaders conducted a Business Workshop during the second half of the day with organizations leading seminars on a wide variety of topics, including merchandise, events, hockey programming, restaurants, ticketing, lotteries and hockey camps and schools.

League Growth

The Board passed a new Strategic Growth Plan that identifies calculated opportunities for the league to grow in the near future.

The objectives of the growth plan include:

  • Strategic growth in markets that push forward the league’s mandate in delivering a first-class athlete and community experience
  • Protecting the quality of the league’s product
  • Ensuring league-wide financial stability
  • Building sustainable value for current and potential future franchises
  • Continuing to enforce the BCHL’s role as a development pathway for student athletes

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Sockeyes Support Breast Cancer Awareness https://www.sportswave.ca/sockeyes-support-breast-cancer-awareness/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sockeyes-support-breast-cancer-awareness Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:01:46 +0000 http://54.213.246.179/?p=64648 Photo Credit Richmond Sockeyes

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This past off-season has seen changes with the addition of  a new coaching staff who from the start got the players to “buy into the system” allowing everyone to play a specific role.

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

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BCHL All-Star Game In Spruce Grove https://www.sportswave.ca/bchl-all-star-game-in-spruce-grove/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bchl-all-star-game-in-spruce-grove Mon, 27 Oct 2025 23:10:30 +0000 http://54.213.246.179/?p=64644 Photo Credit BCHL

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When you often inquire about upcoming information regarding several sports teams and/or organization the one thing you learn fast is that they either seldom return your call or text messages.

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!!

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Hood Named Goalie Of The Week https://www.sportswave.ca/hood-named-goalie-of-the-week/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hood-named-goalie-of-the-week Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:36:37 +0000 http://54.213.246.179/?p=64626 All Photo's Credit Rob Walton/Vancouver Giants

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Locally we are fortunate to have the Major Junior WHL Vancouver club based out of Delta and having the luxury to cover them on a regular basis they continue to find the “hidden jem” that escalates their career to the pro level of the game.

We received the following from the Giants and wanted to share and wish them all the best.

Enjoy the read.

Five  Vancouver Giants players have been listed by NHL Central Scouting on their preliminary players to watch list for the 2026 NHL Draft: defenceman Ryan Lin (A rating), forward Tyus Sparks (C Rating), forward Tobias Tomik (C Rating), forward Aaron Obobaifo (W rating) and forward Brett Olson (W rating).

NHL Central Scouting announced the list – a compilation of draft-eligible prospects from all the major development leagues throughout North America and Europe – on Monday morning.

Players with A ratings are considered potential first-round picks. Players with B ratings are considered possible second or third-round choices; those with C ratings are potential fourth or fifth-round candidates; players with a W rating are possible sixth and seventh-round picks.

Below is where the players were ranked:

RatingLast NameFirst NameHometownHtWtPos
ALinRyanRichmond, B.C.5’11177D
CSparksTyusBoisa, Idaho5’11182RW
CTomikTobiasTrencin, Slovakia6’0194LW
WObobaifoAaronCalgary, Alta.5’10175LW
WOlsonBrettSpruce Grove, Alta.6’2190C

CLICK FOR THE LIST

Lin (Richmond, B.C.) had already been publicly listed as an ‘A’ prospect, after he was the first WHL player named to team CHL for November CHL USA Prospects Challenge.

Lin (16) was WHL Rookie of the Year finalist last year finishing the season with 53 points in 60 games becoming just the second rookie WHL defenceman aged 16 or younger to hit the 50-point mark in 35 years. 

His 53 points rank seventh among U-17 defencemen in the entire CHL since 1990.

The right-shot blueliner has 13 points already in the 2025-26 season on three goals and 10 assists, which ranks first among all WHL defencemen

Internationally, Lin has won three medals with Hockey Canada: bronze at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, gold at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship and gold at the 2024 U17 World Hockey Challenge with Canada White.

Sparks (Boise, ID) played for the Giants as a 16-year-old last season, registering 11 goals and 17 points in 53 games. 

He has taken a massive step this year, currently with nine points (4G-5A) in 12 games. All nine points have come at even-strength. The right-winger has a lethal shot and has gotten noticeably quicker.

Tomik (Trencin, Slovakia) joined the Giants this season after playing in the Slovakian professional league for HK Dukla Trencin, where he scored six goals and added a pair of assists for eight points in 40 games. 

He also recorded 11 points in seven games in the U20 Slovakian league last year, on four goals and seven assists. Tomik has six points (3G-3A) so far for the Giants in his first season in North America.

Obobaifo (Calgary, Alta.) was limited to just 13 games played last season – his first year of draft eligibility – where he put up 10 points (6G-4A). 

This season, he has recorded six points (2G-4A) through 12 games. Like Sparks, Obobaifo is also much quicker this season and has been moved to centre.

Olson (Spruce Grove, Alta.) for the Giants as a 16-year-old last season, registering 15 points (4G-11A) in 64 games.

This season, he has five points (2G-3A) in 12 games, but he has always been defensively responsible.

Lin is one of seven players developed in the WHL that earned an ‘A’ rating, along with defencemen Carson Carels of the Prince George Cougars and Daxon Rudolph of the Prince Albert Raiders; forwards JP Hurlbert of the Kamloops Blazers and Mathis Preston of the Spokane Chiefs; and former WHL players Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers) and Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria Royals).

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Vancouver Giants netminder Burke Hood has been named the Mary Brown’s Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Western Hockey League announced Monday.

Hood went 2-0-0-0 this past weekend with a 1.50 goals-against average and .955 save percentage, stopping 64 of 67 shots thrown his way in the two games.

The 18-year-old New York Islanders draft pick was named the second star of the night in a 5-2 Giants win over the Wenatchee Wild on Friday. Hood steered aside 35 of 37 shots.

He followed it up with a clutch performance against the defending champion Medicine Hat Tigers on Sunday, stopping 29 shots thrown his way, including 14 second period saves. Hood was only beaten once in a 3-1 win.

Brandon, Man. product is 3-0-0 in his last three starts with a .949 save percentage. On the season, he now holds a 5-4-0 record with a 3.84 G.A.A. and a .879 save percentage.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound goalie recently appeared in his 50th career game. Hood is now 24-17-6 in 51 career games with a 3.26 G.A.A. and .905 save percentage.

The Giants (5-6-0-1) now have points in four straight (3-0-0-1) and play next on Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at home against the Portland Winterhawks for Hockey Fights Cancer night.

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2025 Western Regional Blind Hockey Tournament https://www.sportswave.ca/2025-western-regional-blind-hockey-tournament/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2025-western-regional-blind-hockey-tournament Sat, 18 Oct 2025 03:55:25 +0000 http://54.213.246.179/?p=64609 Photo Credit Blind Hockey

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Sportswave has covered various sports but one that we haven’t covered is the sport of Blind Hockey which Sportswave live streamed all three games which attracted fans from as far away as Finland. 

The three day, three game tournament hit the ice in Richmond at the Minoru Arena the home of the Richmond Sockeyes who are one of sixteen teams in the Pacific Junior Hockey League.

The free event features game one was set for Friday morning at 10 AM October 18th with the remaining pair scheduled for Saturday and Sunday both for a noon face-off. 

The tournament is a celebration for the growth of Para Sport across BC with two new teams named the Vancouver Jr Blind Hockey & the Victoria Blind Hockey Teams. 

The 2025 Western Regional Blind Hockey Tournament presented by the CNIB Foundation returns to Metro Vancouver with three games on tap with the first played in front of various schools in Richmond with two teams competing in a best-of-three series with players drafted from across Western Canada and Ontario. 

Canadian Blind Hockey’s Vancouver-based Executive Director Matt Morrow mentioned “Canadian Blind Hockey is thrilled to see so much momentum in BC with our new Vancouver Jr Blind Hockey Team entering its second season and our brand-new expansion program in Victoria which begins in late October,” 

He continued “This is a milestone event for us as it’s the fifth Western Regionals but the very first time we’ve had players representing all four provinces in Western Canada.

There are now eight Blind Hockey teams across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba which really shows the tremendous growth of Blind Hockey across the country”. 

During the event Canadian Blind Hockey will be hosting our Try Blind Hockey Field-Trip program for students from across the lower mainland to try the Para sport. 

The event also serves to officially launch the 2025 – 26 Canadian Blind Hockey program season with the first Vancouver Jr Blind Hockey Team practice and will include a very special major partnership announcement. 

2025 Western Regional Blind Hockey Tournament Schedule: 

Friday October 17 10:00am 10:15am 

Opening Ceremonies 10:00am 12:00pm 

Western Regionals Game #1 1:00pm 2:00pm Children and Youth Try Blind Hockey Session 

Saturday October 18 12:00pm 2:00pm Western Regionals 

Game #2 2:00pm 3:00pm Vancouver Jr Blind Hockey Team Practice 

Sunday October 19 12:00pm 2:00pm Western Regionals 

Game #3 Arena address: Minoru Arena, 

The Para sport of Blind Hockey is played by athletes who are blind or partially sighted with approximately 10% vision or less – using an adapted puck that is larger than a traditional puck and that makes noise. 

The hometown Vancouver Eclipse Blind Hockey Team is made up of players from across the lower-mainland and will be sending a dozen players from Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, New Westminster, and Abbotsford. 

Program Director Luca DeMontis “It’s important for Canadian Blind Hockey to continue hosting regional events in different communities to give local Blind Hockey players the chance to play at home and attract new players who may have never heard of Blind Hockey or didn’t realize they could still play hockey with low vision”. 

He continued “We hope the Metro Vancouver community will show up to cheer these players on and learn more about the Para sport and hopefully introduce the game to some potential new players.” 

In addition to the hosts, players have been drafted from a dozen teams including the Calgary Seeing Ice Dogs, the Central Alberta Bullseye, the Edmonton SeeHawks, the Camrose Canines, the Saskatoon Puck Bandits, and new yet to be named teams in Victoria, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Chicago. 

Canadian Blind Hockey programs are supported nationally by the CNIB Foundation, the Daniel Family Foundation, Electra Health, and Manion. 

Programs in BC are supported by the Vancouver Canucks and Canucks for Kids Fund. 

The Western Regional Blind Hockey Tournament was funded in part by a grant from viaSport BC and the Province of British Columbia, and is supported by community partners Richmond Sport Hosting and the Richmond Sockeyes. 

About Canadian Blind Hockey: 

Canadian Blind Hockey is a charity that changes the lives of children, and youth who are blind or partially sighted by providing Blind Hockey programming including: introductory try-it sessions, development camps, regional and national competitions, and by supporting the Canadian National Blind Hockey Team. 

Canadian Blind Hockey proudly operates 12 teams across Canada and hosts at least four major events annually including our flagship Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament which is set to return for its 12th year from March 20 to 22, 2026 at Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto. 

From the Sportswave Team it was indeed a pleasure to work with the Canadian Blind Hockey and live streamed the event.

Continued Success in a sport that is gaining popularity and scoring points with the general  public.

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Sockeye’s Display Championship Banner https://www.sportswave.ca/sockeyes-display-championship-banner/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sockeyes-display-championship-banner Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:08:22 +0000 http://54.213.246.179/?p=64606 Photo Credit Richmond Sockeyes

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Given the recent success of the early part of the season the Sockeyes had the opportunity to welcome some members of the 1986-87 Richmond Sockeyes who clinched multiple titles, which included the Centennial Cup. 

They won the BC Junior A championship trophy the Mowat Cup advancing to play the Alberta Champions for the Doyle Cup. the Abbott Cup over Saskatchewan’s top team setting up a date for the Centennial Cup championship in Humboldt.

The Sockeyes were privileged to have some of the championship team on hand to watch the Centennial Cup Banner from the 87 Sockeyes hung up above centre ice that featured a professional on-ice  tribute to some members of the team who were on hand.

We had the chance after the first period to chat with Canucks broadcaster Dave Tomlinson who played in 51 regular season games with 43 goals and 65 assists as the leading scorer in addition to collecting 108 points while Jason Phillips was top scorer and Centennial Cup MVP.

Once the tribute was concluded it was on with a match-up focused on the return of the “Tunnel Series” in a contest that saw Delta’s Ryder Dunn open the scoring on the power play for the short-lived lead.

Sockeyes Captain Teo Lin got his second and 6th of the season tying the game as well as a go-ahead goal and his second of the game at 15:58 on the power play giving the Sockeyes a 2-1 lead after twenty minutes.

Delta’s Ryder Dunn got his second of the game an unassisted goal at 12:05 tying the game at two that saw the teams tied after two periods with Richmond outshooting Delta by a 30-17 tally.

The third was all Richmond that saw Dylan Nazareth get his 4th of the season at 1:41 that saw David Yoon getting his 5th of the season that secured the win in a game that saw the Sockeyes outshoot the Ice Hawks by an impressive 43-22 margin.

Sockeyes Captain Teo Lin was named first star with Ryder Dunn named second and Dylan Nazareth locking up third star as Delta scored one goal on eight power play opportunities to Richmond’s one goal on three power play chances.

The teams would have a return game in Delta at the Sungod Arena a short two nights in a match that was a reverse of the previous game that saw a march to the penalty box in the later stages of the game.

Despite the outcome Richmond continued to dominate in the shot department peppering Delta’s Armaan Kaila with 48 shots while Sockeye’s Massimo Urbani faced 23 stopping 19 in the loss.

Sockeye’s Dylan Nazareth got his 5th of the season opening the scoring for the only goal of the first in a game that saw Richmond outshoot Delta by a narrow 8-7 margin.

The second saw Delta’s Becket Cross get his third and fourth of the season, the first at 1:39 followed by the go-ahead goal at 6:22 allowing the Sockeyes Josuha Mytton to get the equalizer at 11:17 with Richmond outshooting Delta by a 14-6 tally.

The start of the season has been a rough start for a squad that isn’t used to a slow start in the Tom Shaw Conference knowing that this was a game they simply never wanted to drop.

Playing aggressive was what they did in the third that saw Colin Jang get his first and second of the early season fourteen seconds apart in a period that Delta controlled from the opening face-off.

In a game that the officials had to control from the opening puck drop saw Delta assessed 16 penalties for 86 while Richmond was assessed 15 penalties for 76 minutes.

To no surprise Delta stole all three stars with Armaan Kaila named first star, Colin Jang second and Becket Cross named third star.

Knowing that the pressure was on and teams coming after the Conference leaders practice wasn’t easy with the coaching staff reviewing game footage making the necessary changes for the upcoming pair of games.

The trappers made their first visit to the “Fish Tank” of the season hoping to pull out a win, that saw them have a solid opening first ten minutes only to have it reversed.

Sockeyes Dylan Nazareth opened the scoring at 12:16 with Yoon and  Huo getting helpers on the early start that saw a reverse of the first scoring play with David Yoon getting his 6th of the season being set up from Nazareth and  Huo assisting on the play.

The second was relatively more disciplined than the previous game that saw Sockeyes Carter Voll give them a 3-0 lead 12:52 Quinn Orr getting his second of the year ending the second with a 4-0 lead.

Voll got his second of the game at 16:35 in a period that saw the Trappers pepper several quality shots at Dwayne Paul-Cruz in a period that he played stellar between the pipes albeit in a losing cause dropping the game 5-0.

Sockeyes Georgi Milanov stopped all 27 shots he faced earning the shutout of the game knowing that the next game would be one that wouldn’t be as easy as this one.

Up next would be a road trip to the Valley taking on the Jets who wanted nothing better than to harpoon the ‘fish” in a game that saw them open the scoring 1:29 in as Alexander Jacques put the Jets up 1-0.

The Sockeyes responded with a pair of power play goals with Uyeda getting his 4th of the year at 3:11 setting up one from Captain Teo Lin at 14:54 finishing off the period with David Yoon getting his 7th of the season holding a 3-1 lead after twenty minutes. 

To no surprise the officials had their work cut out for them in the opening twenty minutes, assessing ten penalties to the home squad while the Sockeyes were assessed eight.

The Jets responded getting the early marker in the second at 8:54 pulling within one setting up a pair with Dylan Nazareth doubling up 4-2 in the score at 14:51 followed by Joshua Mytton’s shorthanded goal giving the visitors a 5-2 lead pulling the second period to a close.

The second saw the teams trade a pair of penalties setting up a strong third from the Sockeyes getting a pair on the power play allowing one power play marker by the Jets.

The Jets utilized both “tenders” while the Sockeyes used the talents of Massimo Urbani who stopped 36 of 39 shots he faced.

It’s not often that the visiting team can play in the other teams arena riding a high stealing all three stars with Mattias Uyeda 2G/2A) named first star, William Huo (4 Assists) and Captain Teo Lin finishing with 1 goal, 2 assists named third star.

The Sockeyes return home for a match-up against last year’s league champions, Ridge Meadows Flames who are looking to not just hook but sink the Sockeyes with the opening face-off set for 7:00 pm.

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CHL Graduates In Opening NHL Night Roster https://www.sportswave.ca/chl-graduates-in-opening-nhl-night-roster/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chl-graduates-in-opening-nhl-night-roster Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:03:01 +0000 http://54.213.246.179/?p=64598 Photo Credit CHL

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Given that the season has kicked-off a short couple of days ago, some are pondering the players who advanced to play at the level many have only dreamed of reaching.

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.

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