High-level hockey players in Surrey — and its surrounding environs — had better lace up their skates.
There's a new hockey academy in town, now that the Surrey Eagles have joined the Junior Prospects Hockey League.
The move, announced on Monday (Oct. 28), means there will be two new JPHL teams, one 14U and the other, 18U (14U means players under the age of 14 born in 2012 or 2013; 18U is for players born in 2008 or 2009) starting in the 2025-2026 season.
While that may seem quite a way off, tryouts are already scheduled for Nov. 11 and Nov. 27, with another likely in January sometime, noted Ron Brar, who co-owns the British Columbia Hockey League team with his brother TJ Brar.
"It's monumental for the City of Surrey," he said Monday, and added the organization was granted 'hub' status by the JPHL after an extensive review.
"I think the big win with the championship (Eagles won the BCHL's Fred Page Cup last season), it allowed us to really showcase what the city can do... it's pretty outstanding."
Brar and Surrey Eagles head coach Scott Gomez, a former NHL player and coach, pointed out the new academy means players won't have to leave the city to acquire the skills and development required of junior hockey players.
"It provides the opportunity for kids to stay local while they play hockey, and develop their game," Gomez said.
"People don't know what it's like, at that age... it can be tough."
Brar, whose son plays high-level hockey, agreed.
'(Always travelling outside the city) is tremendous stress on families financially as well as travel time for kids. There's charter buses that arrive and take our students out of Surrey every day, Monday through Friday, to other cities in the Lower Mainland... so they can develop as hockey players and athletes," he said. "Now, the residents of Surrey will be able to get that same high level of training here within our city walls and even, potentially, attract others here."
He noted the city's continued support in youth sports and essential infrastructure, helped make the new academy possible, and added the JPHL is renowned for its competitive environment and focus on player development, making it the perfect platform for aspiring hockey stars. Players will receive comprehensive training that goes beyond the ice, focusing on skill advancement, sportsmanship, and character building, Brar added.
"It's pretty exciting for Surrey, and for kids in the city and outlying areas... it gives this incredible pathway (for player development)," he said.
Gomez said he and the entire organization are excited to embark on this new journey, on and off the ice.
"It's a great opportunity for young players," he said.
Hockey players interested in trying out for the two new JPHL teams can register at surreyeagles.net
After playing in Coquitlam Wednesday (Oct. 30), Eagles are back on their home ice at South Surrey Arena this Friday (Nov. 1) vs. Langley Rivermen, with a 7 p.m. puck drop.
It is also the third annual Punjabi Night at The Nest, an event that has grown in popularity over the past two seasons, which features music and celebration of the culture, with players wearing special jerseys to commemorate the event.
For tickets or more information, visit the team's website.
