Ray Sawada
PROFILE
Position: Right Wing. University/College: Cornell University. Richmond School/Organization: Richmond Minor Hockey, Richmond Sockeyes. Years Playing: 10+. Other Sports Played: Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Track & Field. Nickname: Razor. Jersey Number: 12. Inspiration: Jerome Iginla and his wife Nicole.
Richmond Roots Ray was born in Richmond, played Richmond Minor Hockey, for the Richmond Sockeyes, and he attended St. Joseph the Worker.
Did You Know Made NHL debut on February 19th, 2004 which happened to be on his 24th birthday. He also scored his first NHL goal that night in a 4-2 victory vs the Edmonton Oilers. Ray was also the main motion capture actor for EA Sports NHL video game from 2019-2024 as 75% of the skaters in the game, setting the footprint for the game for years to come.
Barriers Overcome While playing hockey at a high level he obtained ivy league degree majoring in Human Biology at Cornell University.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Recognition Ray was named Captain for his Rookie Camp team by the Dallas Stars in 2004. He was was voted the Top Recruit by his peers in his fire class in 2017 with Burnaby Fire. An annual hockey tournament at Minoru Arenas, the Play Like Ray Challenge, was established in 2024 to honor Ray's legacy.
All Awards
| Year | Award | Detals |
|---|---|---|
| 2003-2004 | Rookie of the Year | BCHL (Coastal) Nanaimo Clippers |
| 2004-2005 | NCAA (ECAC) Champion | Cornell University |
| 2013-2014 | Liiga Silver Medal | Tappara SM-Liiga, Finnish Professional Ice Hockey League |
| 2014-2015 | Coach's Player of the Year | Belfast Giants |
Championships
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Richmond Sockeyes Provincial Champions | Richmond Sockeyes |
| 2004 | Drafted 2nd Round, 52nd Overall - NHL Draft | Dallas Stars |
| 2004 | BCHL Champions | Nanaimo Clippers |
| 2004 | Doyle Cup Champions | Nanaimo Clippers |
| 2005 | NCAA - Eastern College Athletic Conference Champions | Cornell University |
| 2005 | Ivy League Champions | Cornell University |
SPORTING HISTORY
Career Stats
| Year | Team / Organization | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 2001-2003 | Richmond Sockeyes - 39 games played | 8 goals, 17 assists - 25 points |
| 2003-2004 | Nanaimo Clippers BCHL - 79 games played | 20 goals, 32 assists - 52 points. Playoffs - 6 goals, 16 assists - 22 points |
| 2004-2008 | Cornell University - 137 games played | 31 goals, 45 assists - 76 points |
| 2007-2008 | Iowa Stars (AHL) - 10 games played | 2 goals, 7 assists - 9 points |
| 2008-2009 | Manitoba Moose (AHL) - 74 games played | 6 goals, 15 assists - 15 points. Playoffs - 4 goals, 4 assists - 8 points |
| 2008-2011 | Dallas Stars (NHL) - 11 games played | 1 goal, 0 assists - 1 point |
| 2009-2012 | Texas Stars (AHL) - 173 games played | 25 goals, 39 assists - 64 points. Playoffs - 4 goals, 10 assists - 14 points |
| 2011-2013 | St. John's IceCaps (AHL) - 97 games played | 14 goals, 18 assists - 32 points. Playoffs - 3 goals, 3 assists - 6 points |
| 2013-2014 | Colorado Eagles (ECHL) - 18 games played | 7 goals, 8 assists - 15 points |
| 2013-2014 | Tappara Tampere (SM-liiga) - 30 games played | 3 goals, 5 assists - 8 points. |
| 2014-2015 | Belfast Giants (EIHL) - 56 games played | 21 goals, 38 assists - 59 points. Playoffs - 2 goals, 2 assists - 4 points |
| 2015-2016 | Oji Eagles (Asia League) - 35 games played | 13 goals, 21 assists - 34 points. Playoffs - 2 goals, 0 assists - 2 points |
Contribution to Richmond Sport Ray dedicated himself to his family and his community. He actively volunteered in Richmond, giving his time to youth sports programs, mentorship initiatives, and charitable activities. Those who worked with him recall his humility, kindness, and eagerness to give back to the community that supported him. Ray’s dedication to volunteering was not fleeting; it was a core part of who he was. Those who knew him attest that he would have continued to serve the community for years to come. Ray was deeply involved in mentorship programs, youth sports, and charitable causes. His volunteerism reflected his belief in building strong, supportive communities and his recognition of the importance of inspiring the next generation. Ray coached with the Richmond Ravens for over five years, and was an inspirational coach and mentor with the Richmond Sockeyes for over six years.