With the Surrey Eagles off and running to kick off their 2019-20 campaign, the Eagles are getting set for their home opener tomorrow night against the Coquitlam Express. With the roster finalized, the Eagles are proud to announce the commitments of forwards J.J. Fecteau, Jesse Carr, and Akash Bains along with defenseman Jason Lin to the team for the upcoming season.
JJ Fecteau
Starting off with JJ, the former roller hockey phenom will be the oldest rookie, and player in the league this year as the 20 year old forward turns 21 on January 12, 2020. Fecteau has numerous clips online when he was younger as he danced his way around a number of roller hockey opponents, many who were older than him at the time. After a year in which he was able to post 19-32-51 in 42 games played with the Connecticut Jr. Rangers of the United States Premier Hockey League. He’ll look to be an emotional leader while chipping in where he can offensively.
“Coming in as an older guy, I’m just going to try and be a role model for some of the younger guys who are looking to make an impact. Just keeping my composure, setting an example and producing as much as possible.”
Akash Bains
The 2nd 20 year old committed to the roster, Akash Bains joins the Eagles after a season in the WHL as a member of the Everett Silvertips. After an injury plagued year which saw him only score 5 goals and 9 points in 25 games, Bains decided to finish his junior hockey career back home, as the Delta native doesn’t have to travel too far to play at the South Surrey Arena. The former Silvertips forward has played his last 3 seasons in the WHL, and will be a veteran presence in a locker room filled with younger guys looking to make an impact at the BCHL level.
“Obviously I’m an older guy coming in. So leadership, all around play and helping lead this great group here to a lot of wins.” Bains added, “I base my play around being a 200ft player, and doing everything. So I’m looking to bring that to the Eagles this year.”
Jesse Carr
While Jesse Carr is the youngest of the 3 forwards the team committed out of main camp, the Eagles continue to add some older players as the 2000 born Carr will join the team from the Columbia Valley Rockies of the KIJHL. There’s no doubt Carr was excited, and he expressed his feelings in his interview with Surreyeagles.ca.
“I’m super excited, I’m really looking forward to a good year with a great group of guys and coaches.”
After a season of Junior B hockey which saw him put up 18-16-34 in 45 games played in Columbia Valley, the Calgary native was blunt when asked what he’s looking to bring to this year’s team.
“My speed, and my puck movement; being able to create space for myself and my teammates.”
Jason Lin
On the defensive side, the Eagles shored up their blueline with the addition of 2002 born defenseman Jason Lin. The Coquitlam born defender comes to the team after a year in which he put up 8-12-20 in 27 games played with the Burnaby Winter Club Prep team of the CSSHL. Lin also suited up for 3 games for the Coquitlam Express last year, and was able to net an assist. The young puck moving defenseman looks to bring that element of his game to the Eagles this year.
“I’m a quick, puck moving defenseman and I like to have fun with my game. So the fans can expect some fast skating, and some good plays and passes all through the year.”
Cam Keith’s Thoughts
All 4 of these players are going to bring a different element to the team for the upcoming year. From the mature leadership and veteran presence of JJ Fecteau and Akash Bains, the speed of Jesse Carr, and the poise of the young Jason Lin. There’s a lot of excitement around these 4 players for the Eagles for this upcoming year. Cam Keith sat down and offered his thoughts on what he expects from each of these players moving forward.
Starting with JJ, Keith notes he comes from an unorthodox background but it excited to see how he can translate.
“Well JJ is an interesting story where his background is unconventional for the BCHL. He’s a kid who I just happened to find in video, and fell in love with his game… He has an incredible mind for the game, and he just needs to adjust to the high tempo game of the BCHL. With JJ, it’s a wait and see approach, but if he reaches his full potential he’s going to be an impact player in the league.”
For Bains, the biggest thing for him will be making sure he’s fully healthy for the upcoming year.
“He was an effective player in the WHL, but unfortunately he’s had some injury problems for the last few years. He’s going to take some time to settle into the league and find his role, but with a kid like him we’re expecting him to produce offensively and be a leader for this team.”
A surprise out of main camp, Jesse Carr showed up and zipped around the ice with an incredible skating stride. Cam Keith certainly noticed.
“Jesse’s a kid that took us by surprise. He had a really good spring camp, but you never know if it’s going to translate through main camp and exhibition and it did. He just keeps surprising us everyday… Hopefully he makes the adjustment [to the BCHL], and with his speed and IQ level I think he will. However, every player has to have that mental battle about what’ll work in the league and what won’t, so his success will hinge on how fast he can make the adjustment.”
Finally, Jason Lin came to Eagles camp a little later on, and only got into 1 exhibition game before the season got underway. However, Cam Keith and his staff jumped all over the Coquitlam product and are happy to bring him in.
“Jason plays the game at a high tempo. He’s a younger kid, but our team is built on players who move pucks and read plays at a high level consistently. Jason fits that mould, he’s a kid that can read and react very fast, and has the ability to produce offensively as well. He’s a new hybrid defenseman, but will take some time to adjust to the league as a 17 year old. Long term he’s going to be really good defenseman, and we’re all excited about having him here.”
Congratulations to all 4 players on their commitments, and we’re excited to see them throughout the year!! The Eagles home opener is tomorrow night, and you can get your tickets at https://www.surreyeagles.ca/single-game-tickets. You can also get your tickets at the door before the game. Doors open at 6:00pm, and the festivities start at 7:00pm.
