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Ray Sawada, on the right.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Remembering Ray’s legacy

By Steve Erickson

Published 11:18 PST, Wed December 4, 2024

Last Updated: 11:30 PST, Thu December 5, 2024

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Playing any sport doesn’t always mean winning but it’s fair to say that winning not only helps build team chemistry as well as a mindset that instills confidence, as long as everyone buys into the program.

This isn’t only for sports but life in general which at times is cut far too short and for the Richmond Sockeyes remembering former Sockeye Ray Sawada his legacy indeed lives on.

From the last article the Sockeyes continued their winning ways, outscoring the opposition by a commanding 32-12 in four previous meetings since November 14.

Scoring isn’t a problem nor is playing as a unit and in the four contests they came up short against the Steelers dropping a narrow 6-5 contest in a game that went to a shoot-out which the fans loved.

Sockeyes Nicholas Noren who calls Vernon home continues to lead the stats column having played 25 games collecting 19 goals, 28 assists also managing to add 6 power play goals as well as 4 game winning goals.

He’s closely followed by the following snipers that has Sockeyes Captain Tao Lin (37 points) second, Max Shin (28 points) and Beaudy Beaudin with 26 points with scoring filtering throughout the team.

Reflecting on overall play there weren’t many that did it any better than former Sockeye Ray Sawada who tragically passed away whose memory lives on with the Richmond Sockeyes organization.

The pre-game ceremony a year following his passing, saw the “Play Like Ray” committee present a cheque to KidSport with money raised from the “Play Like Ray” tournament this past September which will continue each year in his honour.

Ray’s passing left a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him but none stronger than his family who are still and will always continue to be a huge part of the Sockeyes organization. The previous game saw a remarkable tribute for Remembrance Day which was followed by yet another tribute honoring and respecting Ray.

In conversation with some players they know of his legacy and what he meant to the Sockeyes organization all wanting to continue to “Play Like Ray” as a Sockeye.

The on-ice tribute was exceptional that had many in the crowd in tears as his family took to the ice in what was best described as “nothing less than exceptional” by a first-class organization. With the ceremony concluded it was back to basics in what was best described as a hard-fought contest which sadly the Sockeyes dropped by a 4-1 contest to the Flames.

As the league continues to get stronger attracting quality players the Sockeyes are sitting in the top four in PJHL standings that sees them in a neck-and-neck fight to climb the ladder as they again get set to host the Winter Classic.

Being involved in the community means giving to those who are less fortunate as others and for home games December 5, 12 and 19 the Sockeyes hosting a “Food Bank Hamper Drive” where we ask that you bring a non-perishable food item to donate.