The Surrey Eagles are excited to announce that 2001-born forward Nate Ibraheem has committed to the team for the upcoming 2019-20 BCHL season. Ibraheem comes to the Eagles from the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers of the Alberta Midget Hockey League.
Ibraheem led his team in scoring this past season, posting 20 goals and 19 assists in 34 regular season games, before adding 5 goals and 3 assists in 8 playoff games. He also already has 4 games of Junior A experience, appearing as an affiliated player for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League over the course of the previous two seasons.
“I couldn’t be happier to have this opportunity,” Ibraheem told SurreyEagles.ca in an interview. “I really wanted to be a part of this young team and contribute to something good. I’m hoping my teammates and I can all grow together in Surrey.”
Eagles Head Coach and Associate General Manager Cam Keith praised the 6-foot-2, 180 pound forward’s skating ability and hockey IQ as part of the reason why they reached out to him to be a part of the club. Ibraheem agrees with the assessment, and hopes that those skills can shine on the larger Olympic-sized ice surface at South Surrey Arena.
“I think I’m a really fast player who is smart and skilled in the offensive zone,” Ibraheem explained. “I try to make quick plays in the D-zone. I’m looking forward to playing on the bigger ice surface to give me lots of room to move and create plays. There should hopefully be more options out there.”
He also mentioned that his relationship with coach Keith was an integral part of his decision to come to Surrey, praising his ability to connect with young players immediately. Those thoughts were echoed by the team’s other recent commit – Owen Nolan.
“Cam is a really approachable guy, you can talk to him about anything and everything. I really like that. I like a coach that is easy to talk to. We get along really well.”
As for his role on the team, that is something that will be carved out when he arrives for training camp. He’s ready for any challenge the team throws at him, but has his eyes set on being a major contributor in his first season in the league.
“I’d love to be an offensive guy and get some powerplay time. I know I’m capable of playing a lot of minutes up front, and that’s the kind of role I’d like to play.”
Welcome to Surrey, Nate!
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