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The Richmond Sockeyes are taking on the White Rock Whalers in the first round of this year’s Pacific Junior Hockey League playoffs.
Photo by Michael Araki-Young
The Richmond Sockeyes are taking on the White Rock Whalers in the first round of this year’s Pacific Junior Hockey League playoffs.
Photo by Michael Araki-Young
Sockeyes hoping for playoff success
By Hannah Scott
Published 10:19 PST, Thu February 23, 2023
Last Updated: 5:22 PST, Thu February 23, 2023
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The Richmond Sockeyes are aiming for success as they take on the White Rock Whalers in the first round of the Pacific Junior Hockey League playoffs.
The Sockeyes entered the playoffs ranked second in the Tom Shaw conference with a regular season record of 67 points (31-11-2-3). The Whalers were ranked third, with 60 points in the regular season (29-16-0-2).
Sockeyes coach Bayne Koen reflected on the team’s first playoff game, when players “rose to the occasion.”
“We have to continue to play and make sure we’re understanding what we’re trying to accomplish, from the staff down to the players,” says Koen.
Players got a handful of days off and then a week of practice to prepare for playoffs. Koen says consistency is a main message, ensuring the mental game is strong in addition to physical play.
“(We’re) making sure our veterans are leading the way with the experience they’ve had in the past, and our young guys are learning from them in games and practices,” he says.
Among the advice shared by staff and older team members is to trust the process.
“That’s something we’ve talked about all year,” says Koen. “Trust that your teammates are going to do their jobs and you’re going to do your job.”
Whereas every game in the regular season is a battle for two points, playoff hockey requires a “win now” attitude. With things changing every day, even players not in the lineup have to be ready to play in case of injuries or suspensions.
Spectators also change the energy for players as well, Koen adds. Playing at home in front of a large crowd creates a good energy.
“(It’s an) intense, fast, physical game, lots of back and forth, lots of chippiness and stuff between the whistle,” he says. “Like anywhere you play, you just hope to put on the best show possible.”
Following a successful season, Koen says the group has to focus on being ready for each game.
“We can bend a little bit, but we don’t break,” says Koen. “Junior hockey can have highs and lows throughout a season, but now the season’s over and our focus is just playoff hockey. We can’t control what the season dictated for us; we just have to play and battle through adversity.”
The Sockeyes won their first playoff game on Feb. 20, and the team will next take the ice tonight at 7 p.m. at Minoru Arena. For more information, visit richmondsockeyes.com/.
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