BY STEVE ERICKSON
Contributing Writer

Captain’s Log with Teo Lin

For some, playing with any team for four years can feel like an eternity; on the other hand, some struggle given the make up of the roster.

For Sockeyes Captain Teo Lin, that clearly wasn’t the case, and as he mentioned, he “was treated royally” and had no second thought of being a Sockeye for the entire tenure of his Junior career. Fair to mention that first, it’s close to home, which isn’t always the case for some players, which allows him to finish his schooling while being close to family and friends. Growing up, he played for Seafair Minor Hockey Association until Pee Wee, but then the following year, Seafair merged with Richmond Minor Hockey, becoming the Richmond Jets.

Here he played his first four years of High School until grade eleven, where he became an affiliate player (AP) with the Sockeyes, playing his first game at the age of fifteen, which was an eye-opener for any young player. Teo attended summer hockey camp run by Bayne Koen, the Sockeyes’ coach, and his relentless hard work eventually saw him suit up for his hometown team.

He mentioned that he owes a lot to Will Kump, who guided him in his first season in 2021-22, where he played seven games finishing with a pair of goals, which allowed him to make the roster the following season. He reflects back to his first season when the coach Bayne Koen, who coached for two consecutive seasons with the Sockeyes from 2021-2023, passed on his knowledge from playing in Bemidji State to the Charlotte Checkers in the ECHL.

Teo looked back at the early days when he played with Matthew Steward and Tanner Milne, and due to both getting injured, he was slotted into playing centre, which was somewhat unique for him. He mentioned how nervous and apprehensive he was, not knowing what to expect, but given his relaxed style, things worked out for the best, as it was a fine fit for what would become a stellar career. In his second season, he was awarded “Most Improved Player,” suiting up for 41 games, managing an impressive 18 goals, 17 assists, 2 PPG, and 1 SHG while changing his style from a finesse style to a somewhat more aggressive style, locking up 25 PIM.

In a conversation with some of the players this past season, when I asked about having Teo as their captain, they mentioned that “Teo has the ability to not only perform on the ice but leads by example off the ice as well,” which demonstrates nothing but respect for their teammate.

As many know, Teo has a brother who is two years younger and is also a hockey player, which probably worked to his benefit, understanding that his parents only wanted what was best for the boys, and they were always there showing their support. His Dad played Soccer in Richmond and coached the West Van Secondary Women’s Soccer team for a number of years, and actually in one game, he coached against Christine Sinclair (Olympic gold medallist, two-time Olympic bronze medallist, CONCACAF champion, and 14-time winner of the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award). Both parents work in the school system; his Mom is an Elementary School Principal, and his Dad is a math teacher, both at different schools, so understanding the value of their work ethic was important.

Back to Teo’s hockey career, one of his highlights was advancing to play in game seven against the Flames, only to be knocked out of the line-up in game six, with a broken leg. The following day, he had surgery, and despite the loss of a season, the following season, Teo was promoted to Sockeyes’ Captain, which was interesting considering management introduced a younger group of players in the roster. As Captain, Teo mentioned that he was given respect right from the start of the season, with him relying on support from some of the older players.

Regardless of who was behind the bench, he respected what they brought to the game, which he feels he benefited from. One thing for certain for those who have watched Teo, including this past season, his consistent style of play helped accomplish his role as Captain, not to mention volunteer community work (RCMP Toy Drive, Food Bank, and Church on Five).

The off-season will see Teo help Matthew Stewart coach the spring team, which he enjoys mentioning, that as a retired player now, he “wants to give back and help the team” anyway he can. He is looking to stay active, possibly playing hockey at UBC mentioning he wants to stay involved with the Sockeyes. At present, he hasn’t been offered a chance to jump on the bench, but he wouldn’t turn the offer down, but he knows he is a few years away.

Lastly, I asked about attending the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, in which his brother Ryan will be selected. “It’s an exciting time for the family being able to see the first step of what will be many.” He’s super proud of Ryan, and the family already have their hotel rooms booked and can’t wait to get there.

Overall, Teo Lin finished his Sockeyes’ career with a solid stat of 182 games played, 98 goals, 127 assists, 25 PPG, along with 9 SHG, finishing with 140 PIM’s. From a broadcasters perspective, I have not only watched him play but can honestly say “he was so very professional at any and all re- quests I have asked of him”. I wish Teo Lin all the best moving forward in whatever career field he sets his sights on, as he is indeed a “True Professional”.