The Langley Rivermen opened the 2023-24 BCHL season this weekend at the George Preston Arena, unveiling a new look on and off the ice as they took on the Chilliwack Chiefs on Friday and Saturday against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
New jerseys were unveiled in front of a sold-out Lodge on Friday night, unveiling the clean-cut blue and white jerseys that the new ownership group designed in the offseason.
Friday’s game saw the home team take a 4-1 lead into the first intermission after a pair of goals from newly minted captain Vitaly Levyy and single markers from Andrej Kovacevic and Ewan Rennie. However, the visiting Chiefs stormed back and scored three goals in the second period and one late on in the third to win the game 5-4. Despite the loss, it was a thrilling game, as fans were treated to a great display of junior hockey.
The following night, last year’s league finalists Alberni Valley Bulldogs came into the Lodge to begin the first of four games between the two this season. Langley trailed 3-2 going into the third but a big period from Tyler Chan who had two goals including a late empty netter that iced the game, ensured the Rivermen would win their second game of the season 6-4. In addition to the two goals Chan scored, Vitaly Levyy would get his third goal of the season, and Oskar Komarov, Aaron Reierson, & Ryder McIntosh would add singles all their first in the BCHL.
If the first two games of the season were any indication, Rivermen fans will be treated to entertaining, fast paced, and high scoring hockey all year long. Your next chance to watch this team in action at home is next Saturday at 7:15 PM as they take on the Coquitlam Express at the George Preston Arena. Tickets can be bought online at https://www.langleyrivermen.com.
Gideon Hill
Rivermen Play by Play Broadcaster
