AJ Sander

AJ has been involved with minor hockey in Richmond for over three decades. He progressed from a player, to assistant coach, to head coach with success at every level. He is widely recognized for the impact he has made on the sport. AJ continues to show passion for the game and plans to keep coaching for many years to come.

Richmond Roots AJ grew up in Richmond and attended Thompson, Burnett and Richmond High. Started playing hockey in 1980 and began coaching Richmond Minor as an assistant in 1983. In 1988 took his first head coach position, and in 1991 he started coaching Richmond Rep teams for 25 years. In 2007, began coaching with Richmond Girls Ice Hockey (Ravens).

Did You Know In 2017 travelled to China to work with young male and female Chinese hockey players.

Barriers Overcome As one of a few minor hockey Indo Canadian coaches in the province, AJ overcame racial barriers through hard work, determination and staying committed to his players.

Recognition AJ was the first coach to be named Coach of the Year twice (1995/96 and 1998/99), by the Pacific Amateur Hockey Association. In 1995/96 he won the Richmond Minor Hockey Association Coach of the Year and in 2007/08 he was awarded the Richmond Sports Council Coach of the Year.

Championship Female Midget A Provincials: 10 consecutive appearances medalling 9 times, 4 championships, 4 silver and 1 bronze. AJ has reached success as a head coach, winning 73 different championships and tournaments.

Contribution to Richmond Sport AJ has had a tremendous impact in female hockey in Richmond, making the Ravens’ Midget A program a highly regarded hockey organization and provincial contender.