my phone message during the World jrs. - 26th December on

Story by Rocky Rhodes 

If you are a certified official for Hockey Canada you just never know how far your career will take you when you first register to sign up as an official.

Depending on your overall demeanor and dedication you have the chance to advance your career as far as you wish with the end result being to work both National Championships, International Championships and just possibly the NHL

We commend those who have again signed up to officiate for the current season and welcome your dedication to work Canada’s National Winter Sport, while Lacrosse is Canada’s National Summer Sport.

Thankfully – we are hearing that the number of officials is on the up-swing in Canada while we are hearing that officiating in other parts of the world are not as fortunate, which is mainly due to disrespect shown from “so-called” Adults!!

Locally we have Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada living in the area who continues to not only evaluate and assess local officials he currently officiated a couple of games in Delta at the Sungod Arena.

Dan works with various individuals in each Province to compile a list of officials to have the opportunity to work on the World Stage.

Nearly five dozen officials will represent Canada on the international stage this season.

The following is a list of officials selected to work the 2025 World Junior’s

Enjoy the read:

The officials for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championships have been selected and below are the 12 referees and 11 linesmen working the 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. 

Andris Ansons (LAT)
Riku Brander (FIN)
Michael Campbell (CAN)
Mads Frandsen (DEN)
Christoffer Holm (SWE)
Mikael Holm (SWE)
Jan Hribik (CZE)
Mike Langin (CAN)
Sean MacFarlane (USA)
Peter Stano (SVK)
Michael Tscherrig (SUI)
Kristian Vikman (FIN)
Linesmen

Albert Ankerstjerne (DEN)
Nick Briganti (USA)
Jake Davis (USA)
Oto Durmis (SVK)
Shane Gustafson (USA)
Onni Hautamaki (FIN)
Daniel Hynek (CZE)
Tommi Niittyla (FIN)
Anders Nyqvist (SWE)
Tarrington Wyonzek (CAN)
Davis Zunde (LAT) 

Referee Riku Brander is the lone returning referee from the 2024 World Juniors; he previously worked the 2022 WJC.  Linesmen Oto Durmis, Shane Gustafson, and Anders Nyqvist are also back after working last year’s tourney.

Officiating coaches include the NHL’s Al Kimmel (CAN) and Mike Leggo (USA), along with Kevin Muench (CAN), Klas Oestergren (SWE), Jukka Pakaslahti (FIN), Ben Ringrose (USA), Tomas Torsbrink (SWE), and Scott Zelkin (USA).

The tournament gets under way on December 26, with the Gold Medal Game slated for January 5.

Story by Steve Erickson

As the calendar year comes to and end the Sportswave Team wishes to send special thanks to everyone who made 2024 so memorable for us to cover.

In the world of sport it seems that one season ends and the next begins that has “high and lows” for everyone playing, coaching, officiating or “stepping-up” as one of the many Volunteers.

These are the individuals who give so unselfishly of their time to help grow the sport that they have a  passion for which becomes a legacy for their Family to enjoy.

When we reflect on the sports world it holds no age or race agenda taking away any frustration that you may have had through the day, week or month.

Growing up as a youngster you rely on your parents to be the “back-bone” of your Family for support for your values.

Often due to the busy world we live in you reach out to those you have come close to such as just possibly a neighbour in your area who is more than willing to help when the chance arises.

You manage to advance your career reaching your goal and those I have spoken with are quick to remember the name(s) of  someone who helped them out and while it sounds strange they often remember someone in the early part of their long arduous career.

So giving is more than getting it shows and  reflects on the type of individual you will become when your career slows to a halt and you can no longer be active as a player.

This is when you remember those who helped you when you started out and now it’s your turn to give back to the “kids” who are like a sponge and absorb every word you tell them.

Over the years we have had the  chance to cover various sports and I simply could not do this alone as I have an exceptional group of ‘team-mates who help out as if covering a C’s game “stepping up to the plate” scoring the winning run.

This past year I am fortunate to work alongside Eastlink TV’s Kevin Adlem as we attend events hosted by the City of Delta, Kid Sport Delta, the Delta Chamber of Commerce as well as the Delta Sports Hall of Fame.

I am fortunate to have Laird Allan, Mark Steffens and Wes Shaw capture you playing your game with first class photos.

Joining the “team” this past year is Jagraj Lalli a recent BCIT student who has come on board having a strong passion to grow the Amateur side of sports who has been a welcome addition to the team.

These are only some of the events that we cover and in addition we are fortunate to have a close relationship with Carla Qualtrough, Canada’s Minister of Sport and Physical Advocacy, Ravi Kahlon, BC’s Housing Minister as well as Ian Paton, BC’s Provincial Conservative Member. 

Lastly we have a strong commitment to working with the City of Delta who have a commitment to promote sport to the City.

We want to take the time to thank everyone who has stepped up to make SPORTSWAVE such a success over the years and thank everyone for your time.

If you have an event you would like Sportswave to cover or “live stream” reach out!!

On behalf of the Sportswave Team Have a Happy and Safe Holiday season and think of those less fortunate as others.

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!!

Story by Rocky Rhodes

To the surprise of some but not to everyone the Delta Ice Hawks made a change to their roster sending Zach Shaughnessy to the Estevan Bruins bringing in former Richmond Sockeye Thomas Popa.

The move was (apparently) made after much discussion with Zach as he was wanting to advance his career to the next level considering he has played a key role to their roster for the past three seasons.

In doing so he has put up an impressive record of 16-4 through 20 games with a GA of 2.97 managing 3 SO through 1151 minutes and given these numbers he’ll be a welcome addition to the Bruins.

Popa on the other hand last season alone he managed an impressive record of 26-1 along with 4 SO allowing 44 GA finishing the season with a SV% of 0.922 playing 1649 minutes.

The playoffs saw him suit up and play 6 games allowing 14 GA playing 251 minutes in a playoff run that saw him replaced by Noah Stenvig who had his work cut out heading to the league finals that saw the Flames eliminate the Sockeyes in game seven advancing to the Provincial Championship.

Given the numbers that Popa put up last season between Erickson and Popa it’s clear to say that the Ice Hawks are “loading up” for a run at the PJHL Championship.

As for Shaughnessy it isn’t to say he wasn’t getting playing time with Delta but with the return of Merik Erickson to the line-up it’s fair to say that they were looking to solidify their back end.

Popa on the other hand (apparently) not a part of the Sockeyes roster this season for whatever reason as they have set their sights on going a different direction which some in the hockey circles question.

In doing a follow-up to how Zach is doing it’s interesting to know that the following press release is posted on their site.

Thanks to the Bruins for the press release and we wish Zach all the best moving forward.

Enjoy the read:

The Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins made a splash between the pipes ahead of the SJHL’s December Trade Freeze this week, announcing the acquisition of 19-year-old goaltender, Zach Shaughnessy from the Delta Ice Hawks of BC’s Pacific Junior Hockey League in exchange for a Player Development Fee.

Standing tall at 6-foot-2, 174 pounds, Shaughnessy is coming off an accomplished last three seasons with the Ice Hawks which saw the native of Surrey, BC., backstop the team to a 53-12-1 record in 69 games, while posting a 2.37 goals against average and .915 save percentage.

Even more impressive has been Shaughnessy’s play in the biggest moments, posting a 10-5-1 record in 18 career PIJHL playoff games, along with a sterling 2.28 goals against average and .918 save percentage in the postseason. 

This included a dominant run backstopping the Hawks to a PIJHL championship in 2023, while posting an eye-popping 1.49 goals against average and .940 save percentage through eight playoff games en route to the title.

Head coach and general manager of the Bruins, Jason Tatarnic said the 19-year-old’s consistent play on the west coast should indicate a bright SJHL future.

“Zach has been playing very well this season and we feel he is ready for the SJHL,” Tatarnic said. “Statistically he’s been consistent with his numbers and we’re looking forward to his [debut]. We want to thank Jacob Morris for helping us out as an affiliated player the past two weeks and he’s a goalie we will continue to monitor and use when needed.”

Shaughnessy, who arrived in Estevan over the weekend, will offer some relief for first-year workhorse, Ben Polhill – who has made the Bruins’ last 10 starts since Kyle Kelsey’s exodus to the BCHL. He said he’s looking forward to getting started.

“The boys are great, skating with them I love the practices; it’s intense, and it’s been fun to be a part of,” Shaughnessy said, flashing a smile.

The Bruins’ new netminder could make his SJHL debut as early as this weekend when the team returns to play for a home-and-home against the division-rival, Melville Millionaires. 

Friday’s game will be played at Affinity Place, with Saturday’s at Melville’s CN Community Centre. 

Both will be available on FloHockey and on the Bruins’ Official YouTube Livestream, with the Room By Room Pregame Show starting at 6:45 p.m. and puck drop to follow at 7 p.m.

Marty Martinson/Estevan Bruins’ PxP & Marketing Director

Story by Steve Erickson. 

The home-and-home series for the Vancouver Giants proved that there was indeed a “Grinch” that helped the visiting Victoria Royals improve their record to 17-10-3-2 while the Vancouver Giants record sits at 13-13-4.

Each year the Giants (as do other teams) host their Annual Teddy Bear Toss and this year’s game was played in front of 4,522 die hard fans that saw them bring various size Bears to the game

The previous game the night prior saw the Royals blank the Giants by a 4-0 margin that had the G-men enter this game wanting goals or sugarplums and not “lumps of coal” to entertain their fans.

The game itself was a late start due to the wild wind that hammered the lower mainland knocking out power in various areas of the  lower mainland which affected several fans to arrive at the game late.

In addition both teams arrived late for the 7 pm game which was officially a late 8 pm start in which the fans were extremely patient while they were being entertained by a mini-minor hockey game.

Patient can be a virtue for many and it’s just possible that the long wait took a toll on the Royals who got off to a sluggish start in a contest that saw former Richmond Sockeye and current Vancouver Giants Tyler Thorpe opening the scoring.

Not only did he score one, he also got the Giants second goal of the opening period, but the first was the one that brought the fans to their feet throwing their Bears to the ice which involved a lengthy delay.

The first goal was scored while the G-men were on the PP that was hammered home from the slot while his (Thorpe) second was after Titleback worked on splitting the “D” that saw Thorpe jump on the loose puck for his second of the game.

Despite the late game start the Royals managed to bring some fans to the game cheering them on with their first goal of the game late in the first cutting the Giants lead by one.

To the surprise of Giants fans the Royals grabbed their first lead of the game as they managed to score two goals just 22 seconds apart early in the second. 

The first came off the stick of Kipkie when he sent a backhanded shot that went under the arm of Burke Hood followed by their second at 3:27 of the second that put an end to Hood’s night.

The Giants managed to get the equalizer just before the second period came to an end that saw a bouncing puck that saw Alain pepper one in the top corner from the right circle that saw him collect his first career WHL goal.

The third was more of a back and forth period that remained tied but only until the Royals Matthews put the Royals up 4-3 lead with 7:05 left in the third. 

As if that wasn’t enough it was three minutes later that saw Royals Verhoeff score the insurance marker with Brayden Boehm getting the helper making it 5-3 for the visitors followed by an empty-net marker from Misskey giving the visiting Royals a 6-3 win.

Regardless of the score the game was entertaining from the opening face-off in  a game that the “high-lite” of the game being the pre-game mini-minor game as well as the Teddy Bear Toss.

The Giants played one final game prior to the Christmas break against the Tri-City Americans

STATISTICS

SOG: VAN — 5/5/5 = 15 | VIC – 5/18/10 = 33
PP: VAN —1/3 | VIC — 0/3
Face-Offs: VAN — 27 | VIC — 30

GOALTENDING BATTLE

Vancouver: LOSS – Matthew Hutchison (22 saves / 24 shots) / Burke Hood (5 saves / 8 shots)
Victoria: WIN – Jayden Kraus (12 saves / 15 shots)

3 Stars

1st: VIC – Keaton Verhoeff – 1G, 1A, 5 SOG, +2
2nd: VAN – Tyler Thorpe – 2G, 3 SOG
3rd: VAN – Colton Alain – 1st WHL Goal, +2

UPCOMING

DateOpponentTimeLocation

Friday, December 27, Kamloops7:00 PM PST,Sandman Centre, Sunday, December 29, Kelowna, 4:00 PM PST, Langley Events Centre

Story by Steve Erickson

With two games remaining in November the Sockeyes played host to the Coastal Tsunami in a contest in which they dominated from the opening period managing to pull off a 6-1 win while outshooting the visitors by a 38-15 margin..

Alex Kielmann opened the scoring on the power play at 4:38 of the first followed by one from Bryce Standt at 19:26 taking a 2-0 lead to the dressing room after the first period.

Max Shin notched his 15th of the season at 6:20 of the middle period in a contest that saw the teams trade penalties in the first while the Tsunami took two in the middle period to the lone minor for Richmond.

The third saw the visitors get on the board only to allow the Sockeyes Max Shin get a pair in the third to for his second “hat-trick” of the season while Nicholas Norengot his 20th goals of the season at the 12:00 minute mark

While the game saw fast paced action it was obvious that the power-house explosive play of the Sockeyes was no match for the visiting squad from the Sunshine Coast in a period that kept the officials throughout the final twenty minutes.

Regardless of the chippy play in the third the Sockeyes skated away with the three stars with Max Shin named first star, Bryce Strandt second star and Nathan Gray named third star.

A short two days later saw the Sockeyes visit Mission City stealing a 9-1 win in a contest that again saw the Sockeyes dominate the contest outshooting Mission by a 54-23 romp.

Next up was a trip to take on the struggling Kodiaks who have yet to win a game to date that saw the Sockeyes manage a 6-1 win outshooting the home squad by a 63-16 tally.

This year again saw the PJHL host what has become the Annual BCHC Prospects game in a contest that has players from the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) and the host league.

For the second consecutive season the PJHL pulled out the win in a game that saw five Sockeyes selected to the team with Sockeyes Head Coach Cullen Revel behind the bench as well as Director of Hockey Opps & GM Will Kump named to the squad.

It’s never easy to select players for a game of this magnitude that saw Beaudy Beaudin, Armaan Kaila, Nick Kovich, Max Shin and Nate Gray named to the roster all of which are prominent selections. 

Between the five they have managed a commanding 52 goals to go along with 57 assists which by any stretch has the Sockeyes playing exceptional hockey.

December sees the return of the Food Hamper Collection for all three home games prior to Christmas as well as the Annual Teddy Bear Toss which is always a fan favorite.

This is when fans get to throw their “Bears” on the ice following the first goal the Sockeyes score in the game which is not only huge for the Sockeyes but also everyone attending looking to cheer loud and long after the first goal is scored. 

If you’re craving more hockey the Sockeyes again host the Annual PJHL Winter Classic at Minoru from December 29th to the 31st.

The Richmond Sockeyes wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as we enter into the second half of the season.

Story by Rocky Rhodes

We recently received the following press release from the CHL and wanted to pass it on for your reading enjoyment.
Thanks to the CHL for the press release:
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced the Week 11 edition of its CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2024-25 season.

Having won 19 of their last 20 games, the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) rank first for the fourth straight week. 

Right behind them in second is the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL), whose 51 points through 30 games are tied for the third-most of any WHL club over the last 10 years. 

Next, rounding out the top three, are the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), who continue to rank first in the QMJHL’s overall standings. 

Among some of the biggest changes in this week’s rankings were the rise of the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL and the entry of the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL into the rankings. 

Riding a six-game winning streak, the Rangers entered into the top five for the first time this season. 
Meanwhile, on the longest active winning streak in the CHL at nine games, the Chiefs are making their Top-10 debut of the season in ninth.

The next rankings will be released the week of December 18, following the 12th week of regular season action in all three member leagues of the CHL. 

Next week’s rankings will also be the last ones before the holiday break, as the CHL’s Member Leagues will kick start their holiday break between December 14-20 before returning to action later in the month.

CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 11

1. London Knights (OHL)
2. Everett Silvertips (WHL)
3. Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
4. Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
5. Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
6. Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
7. Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
8. Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
9. Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
10. Tri-City Americans (WHL)For information and details about each individual club ranked in the 

CHL’s latest Top-10 Rankings,

please visit chl.ca/video/2024-25-chl-top-10-rankings-week-11.