Preseason Goalie Goal

The logo to the left is that of the BCHL's Surrey Eagles. Normally, I don't write much about the BCHL for the simple reason of not having much access to it in terms of watching games. It's a strong league for producing NHL-calibre prospects, though, as we've seen NHL players such as Jamie Benn, Tyson Jost, Alex Newhook, Ryan Johansen, and Duncan Keith all come through that league en route to NHL careers. Carey Price might be the most famous goaltender to come out the BCHL after he played with the Quesnel Millionaires, but there could be a new famous goalie after what he did last night.

Michael Sochen, a 20 year-old goalie for the Surrey Eagles who celebrated his birthday on September 2, was in net last night for the preseason game against the visiting Langley Rivermen. Things were going well in the third period with Sochen and the Eagles holding a 3-2 lead over the Rivermen when Langley opted to pull their goalie for the extra attacker late in the game.

Based on the title of this article, you already know what's coming. Let's take a look at Michael Sochen's goal from last night!
Sochen's goal at 18:51 of the third period sealed the deal for Surrey as they won the game 4-2 to improve to 5-0-0 in the preseason. Sochen earned the win to go along with the goal as he stopped 27 of 29 shots he faced in the game.

Again, this blog will always post a goalie goal whenever they happen because they're one of the rarest feats in sports, but getting one in the preseason is something new for me. We've seen early regular-season goals from places like the KHL, but a preseason BCHL goal might be the earliest goalie goal to date with it happening on September 16!

I wish I could tell you more about Sochen's hockey journey in arriving in Surrey to play with the Eagles, but it seems his hockey history is one that hasn't been made public. I don't know where else he's played, and this appears to be his first season in the BCHL. Of note, it seems this was only his second game in the BCHL, so he's making a big splash scoring goals this early in his career!

What I do know, however, is that goalie goals are awesome, so congratulations to Michael Sochen who, I assume, scored his first BCHL goal in style last night. It won't count in the regular season statistics, but maybe he can do it again at some point this season. How cool would it be to become the first goalie to score in preseason action and regular season action? Here's hoping that happens!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!