The BCHL's board have approved the sale of the Surrey Eagles fracnhise

Photo: Contributed

The Surrey Eagles have new ownership.

The BC Hockey League announced Wednesday morning the Coastal Conference franchise has been sold to brothers Ron and TJ Brar following approval by the board of governors.

The sale is effective immediately.

The Brar brothers purchased the team from Chuck Westgard, who owned the Eagles the past 12 years.

“The last 12 years as owner of the Surrey Eagles has been quite a ride,” said Westgard. “From the first season in 2010-2011, the RBC Cup in 2013, right through this final season, our goal has always been the same.

We wanted to provide a safe and enjoyable place to live and play for all of our players, and to provide the best coaching possible to give them every opportunity to chase their dreams in the sport they love. Most importantly, we wanted the players to develop as individuals to become contributing members of society.”

Westgard says the time was right to hand the team over to a new ownership group.

“My brother and I were born and raised in Surrey and that’s where our passion for hockey first started,” said Ron Brar. “Our love for community and family has always played a significant role in our lives. The Surrey Eagles will allow us to continue to grow and to give back to our cherished community.”

“We want to encompass our priorities around hockey, academics, community and most importantly, building new leaders,” said TJ Brar. “We are grateful to Chuck Westgard and the BCHL family for allowing us to be a part of the best junior hockey program in Canada.”

The team will continue to operate out of the South Surrey Arena.

“The Eagles have a rich history in our league since arriving in 1991 and we are confident that the new ownership group will continue this legacy," said BCHL chairman of the board Graham Fraser.