Holding a commanding lead in league standings entering December puts extra pressure on everyone from the players to coaches as well as ownership and when I reflect on the season play to date it’s obvious everyone is on the same page. It’s not easy to continue to dominate league play and when you reflect on the number of games along with the hectic schedule they have, injuries can and will take its toll.

Thankfully the Sockeyes haven’t had many, at least for the first three months of the season, but it’s something that all teams go through which has the team utilize call-ups to fill the necessary spots. Entering December the Sockeyes would be facing teams who are eager to pull out a “Win” pulling closer in the standing setting up a stronger playoff finish which isn’t that far off.

December starts off with a visit from the Coastal Tsunami in a game that was close body checking from the opening face-off that was scoreless until 19:55 of the first period that saw the Tsunami take an early lead after one goal on a power play. To the surprise of many the first was closer than many expected as the Sockeyes narrowly held a 14-10 lead in shots setting up another fast-paced second period that saw the Tsunami get their second goal of the game at 10:48. 

Again the shots remained close with the Sockeyes holding a 30-23 lead after two setting up the third only to allow the Tsunami get their third at 6:49 forcing additional pressure entering the third period. Sockeyes snipper David Yoon (23rd) got them on the board at 9:07 with assists to Quinn Orr and William Huo which set up an exciting finish that saw the coaching staff pull Massimo Urbani for the extra attacker only to have the Tsunami get an empty net goal heading home with a 4-1 win. The loss would see the Sockeyes refocus as their next game was against the Trail Blazers that saw David Yoon continue his scoring streak on the power play at 1:52 with William Huo and David Nazareth with helpers taking a 1-0 lead after the first period.

The home squad pressed and evened the score at 10:02 that saw the game change with Brody Lindal (12th) set up by Captain Teo Lin at 13:09 taking a 2-1 lead after two setting up an exciting third. Focus was the game plan setting up their third of the game with Teo Lin (15th) getting a PP marker with William Huo sending him in on the left side which would be short lived.

The home squad got one back 52 second later pulling within one making it a 3-2 game continuing to drive to the net pulling their goalie getting their third goal of the game forcing O/T that would see both teams have chances. After several chances by each team the game winning goal was delivered by David Yoon pulling out the win at 3:53 heading home with his second of the game helping the Sockeyes maintain first place in league play.

David Yoon (2G/1A) was named first star, Po. Coq’s tender Nicholas Muc (46Shots Against/42Saves) named second and William Huo (0/G/2A) named third star as the two teams have a rematch December 11th. The Sockeyes held their annual Christmas lunch at the Steveston Seafood House that was a fun-filled day that put the players' voices on display singing Carols that featured a singoff that won’t see them enter a talent contest.

I had a chance to talk with Head Coach Scott Hewson to get his take on the first part of the season with him telling me “we had a lot of veteran players step up their game this year having fun instilling a strong compete level to the game.” I asked about the team that was put together by ownership and GM Will Kump mentioning “the coaching staff along with the players are having a lot of fun while learning while at the same time having a positive start to the season.”

Q. What have you personally learned coming over from North Shore?

A. The players here are all wanting to continue their hockey path to improve on competing, work ethic, learning systems and playing the right way to get themselves to the next level of the game. They have all come here and bought into the system and our plan knowing that the players have taken on accountability themselves with less deflecting on others.

Q. Who has more pressure, the players or the coaching staff?

A. There’s a bit of a balance with both as the players are asked to come in early for extra opportunities to practice along with the extra expectation on the coaching staff to deliver.

Q. Did you expect to be sitting in first place with such a remarkable record nearing the Christmas break?

A. Not really but the group of players that Stuand Will brought in was there, it’s just been a great surprise for me personally starting off my Junior career with such a positive record at this point but now the standard has been set.”

Q. Was it difficult to get new players to adjust to the system?

A. Typically the league is the middle ground for the players to get to a higher junior level and that’s where they have to improve on following the system to get rewarded.

Q. What’s the hardest part for you as coach and your coaching staff?

A. It’s teaching the players to buy into the system and play together as a team, reaping the benefits when it happens.

Q. How do you keep the team focused given the success to date when everyone is chasing you?

A. It’s tough as you get every team's best game coming for you, so you can’t take a day off, if you sit back the teams that work hard will beat you. 

Scott gives lots of credit to his coaching staff mentioning “It’s a team game and I couldn’t do it alone with the success being open communication.”

As we enter the Christmas holidays we thank and sincerely appreciate the support from the volunteers, the fans and our sponsors for all their continued support throughout the season. On behalf of Steve Daniel, producer Dylan and camera operator Isaiah for your “kind words” for all home games with a special “THANKS” to the RICHMOND SENTINEL for the ongoing support. We wish you and your Family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous 2026.