Surrey Eagles are on the hunt for a new head coach with the departure of former NHLer Scott Gomez.
Gomez, a former Eagle himself, was assistant coach with Cam Keith for the team's Fred Page Cup-winning 2023-2024 season before being hired as head coach and general manager of the British Columbia Hockey League team for the 2024-2025 season, helping lead the team to the first round of BCHL playoffs.
The team thanked the former New Jersey Devils player and two-time Stanley Cup champion on social media Monday, wishing him all the best in "his new opportunities."
"He's an amazing guy, an amazing coach, and we were very fortunate to have him for the two years we did," said Ron Brar, who owns the team with his brother, TJ.
"We knew someone of his pedigree would eventually find something at a different level of hockey, and I think that's what Scott's moving on to. We knew that one day this would happen. ... We were just very fortunate to have him back in the city of Surrey, and just grateful he was here."
Brar said both Keith and Gomez helped build a fantastic program for the South Surrey-based team.
"They're pretty big shoes to fill ... the search is on. We're pretty positive we're going to be able to find some good candidates out there."
United States Hockey League team Chicago Steel announced they had hired him as head coach Monday (June 2).
"The Chicago Steel are pleased to announce the hiring of two-time Stanley Cup champion Scott Gomez as Head Coach," the team's X account posted.
The move makes Gomez the second Hispanic coach in the league’s history.
