The Surrey Eagles have reacquired former assistant captain and leading scorer Darius Davidson from the Penticton Vees. Davidson was previously dealt to Penticton on December 9th, 2015 as part of a three-team deal involving the Cowichan Capitals.
Davidson, 20, finished last season with 14 goals and 16 assists in 51 games, split between Surrey and Penticton. He missed nearly a month at the end of the regular season with an illness, which also ended his “iron man” streak of over 160 games. He appeared in 8 playoff games before being knocked out of the BCHL playoffs by the West Kelowna Warriors, who would eventually win the RBC Cup.
A Surrey, BC native, Davidson returns to the team that he led in scoring in 2014-15. If he can repeat his 25-goal performance from that season, it would be a welcome addition to the Eagles offensive unit. Known as a powerplay specialist, he possesses a very hard, NHL-calibre shot. He also doesn’t shy away from physicality, as his 6-foot-1, 190 pound frame is a major reason for his success while on the attack.
“I’m really excited to play my final year of junior hockey at home in Surrey,” Davidson said in an interview with SurreyEagles.ca. “I obviously still know a lot of the players, so I’m happy that I get to assume a leadership role once again.”
“It will be fun to be in a position where I’m expected to be a leader, and expected to put up points. I learned a lot in Penticton about the importance of preparation. I’m hoping that will help us earn some wins this season. I want this team to go on a long playoff run.”
Head coach and general manager Blaine Neufeld explained the thought process behind the move.
“After talking with our core group of guys that are coming back this season, we all feel that it will be a very competitive roster. The addition of Darius addresses some of our scoring needs. He also brings experience. He’s played in a lot of BCHL games, regular season and playoffs. I think that will also be a positive addition for our group.”
Davidson looks to be a big part of a revamped Eagles roster in the upcoming season, which includes the additions of Clarkson-commit Jordan Robert, Jacob Dupont, Ryan Foley, Jackson Ross, Jesse Nelson, and more that have yet to be announced. The coaching staff has also undergone changes, with the addition of former player Colin Hemingway as an assistant.
The trade is once again a three-team deal involving Cowichan, and the Eagles are sending forward Darren Hards and the rights to defenceman Ryan Jones to the Capitals.
“We would like to thank Darren for his time here in Surrey,” Coach Neufeld added. “He brought a lot of energy to the team, and we will have to find a way to replace that as we move through the summer. We wish him the best.”
It’s a long summer, and more transactions will be announced as the regular season approaches. SurreyEagles.ca will have coverage of every move that is made. Be sure to follow us on social media at our Twitter and Facebook pages to have up-to-the-minute information!
