SURREY – As the Eagles enter their 25th Season as one of the great organization of Junior A Hockey, they are thrilled to announce the new hire of Assistant Coach, NHL Alumni, Gary Nylund.
Nylund is no stranger to the BCHL or to the Surrey Eagles organization. Nylund had previously served as assistant coach from 2010-2012 with the Eagles. It generates excitement within the organization from the players to the staff to the front office.
“Adding someone like Gary Nylund to our staff is incredibly exciting for our organization and we look forward having his experience and presence.” mentioned Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Blaine Neufeld. “We have made a massive amount of progress over the past two months and now to officially announce Gary to our coaching staff solidifies our vision moving forward into the 2015/16 season.”
Nylund was born and raised in Surrey and a product of North Delta through his early years. He would progress through the Junior ranks to be drafted 3rd overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1982. Gary would spend his NHL tenure with the Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Islanders playing a total of 608 games and compiling 1235 penalty minutes. Along with an amazing NHL career, Nylund was on the first Canadian team to win World Junior Gold at the 1982 Games.
Gary Nylund Playing Career
Nylund is looking to bring his experience and past success to the Eagles and their strong tradition, “I owe a lot to the game of hockey and feel I need to give back and that I have something to offer.” said the newly announce assistant coach. “After meeting with Blaine and Ownership, it was made very clear to me that the entire organization was committed to winning this season.”
Gary has been a Firefighter for the Delta Fire Department for the past 22 years and is a current Captain. Nylund is married and father of three triplet daughters all while living in Surrey for the past 25 years. He also recieved a Medal of Bravery for an incident during a 2001 warehouse fire where he saved the lives of two trapped colleagues.
Next up is the Annual BCHL AGM weekend held in Victoria June 4th – 6th. Where Eagles’ President Chuck Westgard added, “We are extremely excited to have Gary Nylund joining us as an assistant coach for the upcoming season. After a couple seasons away to concentrate on family, his return will be instrumental in helping Head Coach Blaine Neufeld and the Eagles return to their winning ways. His wealth of playing and coaching experience will be invaluable to the team. The upcoming season just got a lot more exciting and the entire organization welcomes Gary back!”
Be sure not to miss out on supporting the local Surrey Eagles through Season tickets or Sponsorship opportunities. If interested please contact the Director of Business Operations at ksimpson@surreyeagles.ca
