Summer is coming to an end and the Langley Rivermen are set to open up their season this Saturday, September 7 as they welcome the Coquitlam Express to “The Lodge”. After going 2-2-0-1 in the pre-season, Head Coach and GM Bobby Henderson was impressed with what he saw.
“We were really happy all around. Our veteran players returned in phenomenal shape. They took last year’s experience and used it for fuel this off-season. We have an exciting rookie group that looks ready to contribute out of the gate.”
After inviting over 40 players to camp this season, the Rivermen currently have 23 players on their roster. The Rivermen will be running with nine rookies and the maximum number of 20-year-olds, which is six. With it being only days away from the season starting, it seems like the Rivermen will not have a 16-year-old on the opening night roster. You can see the full roster here.
Between The Pipes
Two Langley locals will be in the crease this season for the Rivermen. Veteran goalie Braedon Fleming is back for his 20-year-old season and Kristian Lyon is in his rookie season in the BCHL after two seasons playing junior B in the Pacific Junior Hockey League. With Fleming expected to see a lot of work this season, Lyon is hoping to create some healthy competition in the net.
“Both goalies are Langley natives, they are proud to be Rivermen, and they will support each other every way they can,” said Henderson, noting that the team put a big emphasis on having two goalies who can win.
The Blue Line
Jake Livingstone is back for his 20-year-old season. Committed to Alaska-Fairbanks, Livingstone will be counted on to produce offensively this season after he finished last year in second place on the team in points. The veteran d-man should see a lot of minutes. The lone rookie on the back end is Tanner Komzak. The 6’4″ defenseman put 23 points in 39 games last season in the PJHL and hopefully can carry the offense over to the junior A level.
Forward Group
BUDY IS BACK
Former Riv Captain Brendan Budy is back with the team for the upcoming season following a stint in the USHL with the Tri-City Stormhttps://t.co/ySiCR35pXO
— Langley Rivermen (@LangleyRivermen) September 4, 2019
News broke earlier this week that the Rivermen will have a familiar face back in the lineup this season. Former captain Brendan Budy is back with the team after splitting last year between the University of Denver and Tri-City of the USHL. Before leaving for Denver, Budy tallied 101 points in 105 games with the Rivermen. It wouldn’t be surprising if the North Dakota commit is among the leadership group this season. Also, Kalen Szeto is a player who could break out this season. After putting up 21 points in 51 games as a 16-year-old in 2018-19, the speedy forward will likely be near the top of the team in scoring.
Winter Is Coming
Exciting hockey is expected at “The Lodge” all winter long and Henderson is pumped to get things going.
“I’m just extremely proud of the work all the guys put in this off-season. Each and every player trained incredibly hard and we’re excited to show our fans the progress they’ve made.”
The Rivermen play two games at home on opening weekend. September 7th against the Coquitlam Express and September 8th against the Chilliwack Chiefs. Follow along this season as I will bring you Rivermen news all season long on the BCHL Network.
