Auren Ruvinsky
writer@pqbnews.com
The new NHL star owners of Marina West in Tofino invite the public to a meet and greet barbecue complete with live music, food and Tofino Brewing Company drinks this Sunday, Aug. 14.
NHL veterans and former Vancouver Canucks Willie Mitchell and Dan Hamhuis in partnership with Andrew Purdey, owner of Mill Bay Marine Group, purchased the well known property as of July 12.
All three are described as “B.C. boys with a passion for British Columbia and especially Vancouver Island,” in a news release. “Through their love of fishing, all strive to take care of the environment that surrounds them.”
“We are very excited to become a part of the Tofino community, and look forward to what lies ahead” said Mitchell, the new president of Marina West.
Mitchell – the pride of Port McNeill – is a sixteen year NHL veteran and two time Stanley Cup winner and said he looks forward to taking an active role in the business.
“I’m excited to move onto my next venture with an amazing community such as Tofino, and likeminded business partners and friends,” he said.
Hamhuis – from Smithers, B.C. – is a twelve year NHL veteran, Olympic gold medalist and beloved Vancouver Canuck. He played most of his junior career in Prince George for the Cougars, where he is now part of the ownership group which purchased the team in 2014.
“An investment such as Marina West keeps us connected to the small community atmosphere that we grew up to know and love,” Hamhuis said. “I look forward to buildingthis new relationship and meeting the people and business leaders of Tofino.”
Although he will be playing in Dallas this year, he maintains a strong connection to his home of B.C.
Originally from Prince George, Andrew Purdey now resides on Vancouver Island, and has established Mill Bay Marine Group, operating seven properties on the coast including Mill Bay Marina, Port Browning Marina on North Pender Island, Pacific Gateway Marina at Port Renfrew, Port of Sidney and MK Bay Marina on the Douglas Channel.
“The investment in Marina West is an excellent opportunity to build on becoming an integral part of the community, in a perfect locale,” Purdey said. “I’m excited to be partnering with Willie and Dan, as we aspire to the same vision going forward, and we are dedicated to make it happen.”
Purdey is described as an avid sports fisherman, while contributing to ensure the sustainability of the industry through his local support of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and individual efforts to safeguard a prosperous future for fish and oceans.
Marina West includes a pub, hotel and the marina offering whale watching, eco adventures, fishing, boating, beach combing, surfing, hiking, kayaking and more.
The public barbecue runs 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 at the marina.
For more information visit www.marinawest.com.
