The Cowichan Valley Capitals announced Thursday that Ray Zhang has taken over as the new majority owner.
The deal was concluded just last week and marks a historic moment for hockey.
Zhang is from Beijing, China and his family will be relocating to Duncan.
“This transaction is the first time someone from China has purchased an overseas hockey franchise,” said Zhang. “It will open a door for hockey families in China to learn about Canadian hockey first hand. This link to Canadian hockey will prove valuable to encourage all of our young hockey players in China.”
The Caps are coming off a season where they qualified for the playoffs for the first time in three years and the club is hoping this news will add energy to the program as it works back to being a power in the BCHL’s Island Division.
“Ray is as passionate about hockey as anyone and he will be playing a leading role in the growth of hockey in China,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “We are pleased to have him join our league and take a place at the board of governors table.”
“His input and insight from a new perspective will be extremely valuable.”
