Eagles Dismal Season Ends – What’s Next?

The Surrey Eagles’ 2025-26 BCHL season came to a close with significant organizational change after a challenging year that saw the club finish last in the Coastal East Division.

Surrey posted an 8-40-6 record across 54 games, collecting 22 points and finishing with a -141 goal differential. 

The Eagles’ .407 points percentage placed them well outside the playoff picture, prompting a reset that included the dismissal of head coach and General Manager Brian Passmore and Assistant Coach Brady Lynn at season’s end.

The organization has since turned the page, hiring David Rutherford as general manager and head coach, with Anthony Ast and Bryan Sharp joining as assistants. 

The changes signal a fresh start for a team looking to rebound ahead of its 35th anniversary season in South Surrey.

Early-season instability proves costly

The Eagles’ struggles began before the season even started and carried into a difficult opening stretch.

Surrey opened the campaign with 13 consecutive losses, going 0-4-0 in September and 0-9-0 in October. 

The team was consistently outscored, including an 8-0 loss to the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Sept. 19 and a 7-0 defeat to the Coquitlam Express on Oct. 31.

Roster turnover played a major role in the slow start. Several returning players requested trades or left for opportunities in leagues such as the QMJHL and USHL, leaving the Eagles searching for chemistry. 

Passmore later described the early portion of the season as a “mess,” with the lineup in flux from the outset.

In an effort to address offensive shortcomings, Surrey completed a five-player trade with Cowichan Valley on Oct. 29. 

The deal brought in forwards Kole Keen and Owen Fitzgerald, who would go on to play key roles, but the move did little to change the outcome of October.

Incremental progress through November and December

The Eagles showed signs of improvement in November, earning their first win of the season on Nov. 2 with a 9-5 victory over the Powell River Kings.

Surrey finished the month with a 2-7-2 record, adding a second win on Nov. 28 against the Spruce Grove Saints. 

While the results remained inconsistent, the team began generating more offence, with Keen and Fitzgerald contributing immediately following their arrival.

December brought similar results, as the Eagles posted a 2-5-1 record. A 7-6 win over the Chilliwack Chiefs on Dec. 21 highlighted the team’s ability to score, but defensive breakdowns and inconsistent goaltending continued to limit sustained success.

Despite modest improvement, Surrey remained near the bottom of the division standings entering the new year.

Trade deadline shifts focus toward development

The Eagles struggled to build momentum in January and February, combining for a 2-14-2 record over the two months.

Surrey remained active ahead of the BCHL trade deadline, moving several veterans while acquiring younger players and future assets. 

Key transactions included trading goaltender Jaiden Sharma and defenceman Shawn Leary, while adding prospects such as Gleb Semenko, Koji Gibson, Taylor Curtis, and Logan Peskett.

The moves reflected a shift toward long-term development rather than short-term results.

One of the season’s defining moments came on Feb. 14, when Surrey defeated the league-leading Cowichan Valley Capitals 5-4. 

Forward Max Davidson scored the game-winning goal with 4.4 seconds remaining, providing an emotional highlight in an otherwise difficult campaign.

Season concludes with continued challenges

Surrey closed the season with a 2-6-0 record in March, unable to climb out of last place.

One of the bright spots came on March 8, when the Eagles earned their only overtime victory of the season in a 5-4 win over the Langley Rivermen. 

The result showcased the team’s resilience, though it was not enough to change the overall outcome of the year.

The Eagles’ final numbers reflected the challenges faced throughout the season, including defensive struggles, inconsistent goaltending, and a lack of depth exacerbated by early roster turnover.

Individual efforts recognized despite team results

While the standings told a difficult story, several players were recognized for their contributions both on and off the ice.

Forward Kole Keen emerged as the team’s most impactful player, leading Surrey in scoring and earning multiple honours, including most valuable player, fan favourite, and the award for most points in the regular season. 

His consistent offensive production stood out during a rebuilding year.

Goaltender Brady Smith, who joined the team mid-season, was awarded the John Short Leadership Memorial Trophy. 

Smith was recognized for his resilience and leadership while handling a heavy workload in a challenging environment.

Other award recipients included Owen Fitzgerald for his community involvement, Lucas Biros for academic excellence, and Anthony Ip for his leadership and energy as the team’s emotional core. 

Rookies Max Davidson and Gleb Semenenko were also recognized for their immediate impact and potential moving forward.

Focus shifts to future ahead of milestone season

With a new coaching staff in place, the Eagles will look to reset and build toward a more competitive future.

Rutherford arrives following a PJHL championship with the White Rock Whalers and is expected to bring structure and stability to the organization. 

The additions of Ast and Sharp further reinforce the club’s commitment to a new direction.

As Surrey prepares for its 35th anniversary season, the focus will centre on development, roster stability, and establishing a stronger foundation. 

After a difficult 2025-26 campaign, the Eagles will aim to turn the page and re-establish themselves as a playoff contender in the BCHL.