Langley Rivermen (finally) come home

For the Langley Rivermen, it’s been a long road home.

After playing their opening four games of the B.C. Hockey League season on the road, the Rivermen will finally play their home opener this Saturday, Oct. 4, when they host the Nanaimo Clippers at the Langley Events Centre.

Opening faceoff is 7 p.m.

The first 1,500 fans receive a Rivermen Foam Finger, presented by Global BC.

Fans will also receive two-for-one entry when they bring a food or cash donation to the Global Food Bank.

It will be a very busy weekend of junior A hockey for the Rivermen, who currently sport a 1-2 record.

On Friday, the Rivermen travel to Coquitlam’s Poirier Sports and Leisure Centre to take on the Express at 7 p.m., followed by their home opener the very next night.

On Sunday afternoon, the Rivermen play their third game in as many days when they travel to South Surrey Arena to play the Eagles. Game time on Sunday is 4 p.m.

Bobby on board for five more seasons

In other Rivermen news, on Sept. 18 the team announced that it had extended the contract of head coach and general manager Bobby Henderson for five additional seasons.

Henderson is signed now through the 2018-19 BCHL season.

“It’s pretty interesting when you have to negotiate a contract with your son,” Rivermen president Roy Henderson said. “We came to terms on a long-term contract with Bobby, giving a little security for him and the team. We’re happy to have his contract complete before the season, so he can focus on winning hockey games.”

Henderson guided the Rivermen to a first place finish in the regular season last year with 82 points, capturing their first ever Ron Boileau Memorial Trophy, awarded to the team with the best record in the regular season (37-13-3-5).

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to be here long-term,” Bobby Henderson said. “We’ve worked hard to build the program here in Langley and it’s nice to be able to continue to see it through.”

Since being named Rivermen head coach in 2012/13, Henderson has posted a record of 61-39-4-10.

Henderson was awarded the Joe Tennant Memorial Trophy, as the 2013/14 BCHL Coach of the Year.

“The community of Langley does a great job supporting its athletics,” he said. “The facility here is world class. When it comes time to recruit a player, all you have to do is get them to Langley, show them the town, the building and they just love it. It’s a great place to play and great place to visit.”