Former Richmond Sockeyes forward Nickolas Kovich is taking the next step in his hockey career close to home, joining the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League.
Kovich spent parts of three seasons with the Richmond Sockeyes from 2023 to 2026, including a strong 2025-26 campaign in which he recorded 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in just 31 regular-season games. He added another eight points in 11 playoff games.
For the Sockeyes, seeing a local player continue his development at the WHL level is a special moment.
“The Richmond Sockeyes are very pleased to see Nick Kovich make the Vancouver Giants,” said Doug Paterson, President and Owner of the Richmond Sockeyes. “Always special to see a local Richmond grad make it to the WHL. Nick has worked extremely hard on the ice and off during off season to achieve his goal of making the WHL. Nick is a very coachable young athlete and continues to push himself every day. Always has a smile on his face at the rink! Nick’s perseverance has got him to where he is today.”
Before his time in junior hockey, Kovich played for Delta Hockey Academy U18 Prep, where he finished second in team scoring during the 2023-24 season with 31 points in 30 games.
During the 2025-26 season, Kovich spent time with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL before returning to the Richmond Sockeyes, where he finished the season and helped Richmond through the playoffs.
Originally selected 75th overall by the Red Deer Rebels in the fourth round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Kovich joined the Everett Silvertips ahead of the 2026-27 season before being acquired by the Vancouver Giants in exchange for a conditional eighth-round pick in the 2029 WHL Draft, bringing the Richmond product back to the Lower Mainland.
The BCHC congratulates Nickolas on the opportunity and wishes the former Sockeye continued success at the next level.
