Canucks fans filled a Newton restaurant where Surrey-raised pro Arshdeep Bains signed autographs Wednesday, March 20.
The Boston Pizza on King George Boulevard was busy for a three-hour visit by Bains, who posed for photos and signed pucks, hats, mini sticks and other keepsakes.
His visit was arranged by restaurant owner Ryan MacEachern, who had contacted Bains’ agent to make it happen.
“We wanted to have him here because I think it’s great that he’s a Surrey guy, part of the community here, and it’s a big deal for local fans, the kids who look up to him,” MacEachern said.
“Surrey Minor Hockey is here with some players, and it’s exciting. They’re loving it. We’re donating $5 from every signature back to (the hockey association),” where Bains played as a kid before moving on to more competitive hockey opportunities at Burnaby Winter Club.
Bains signed autographs for fees ranging from $30 to $45, depending on the purchased merchandise. When fans bought a $50 Boston Pizza gift card, two autographs were included.
“There’s been a lot of kids and it’s set up well here, running pretty smooth,” Bains said. “It’s nice to see the kids here supporting me, maybe looking up to me. I’m happy to be here. I come to Boston Pizza all the time, so this is a win-win.”
• RELATED: ‘Huge’ Surrey pride for Bains in Canucks debut as NHL’s 4th Punjabi-roots player.
A rookie forward, Bains made his NHL debut with Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, Feb. 20 in Denver, played again in Seattle two nights later, then helped the Canucks to a comeback 3-2 win over rival Boston Bruins in Vancouver.
Just the fourth player with Punjabi roots to skate in the NHL, Bains played five games with Vancouver before reassignment to AHL affiliate Abbotsford Canucks, where he’s scored 13 goals and added 35 assists in 51 games this season (as of Thursday, March 21).
He’s still looking to score his first NHL goal, after getting some chances in February and kudos for good play from head coach Rick Tocchet.
“I learned a lot being up with the Canucks and have kind of taken that down to (Abbotsford), what I learned,” Bains told the Now-Leader. “The team’s been doing well and getting ready for playoffs, so it’s time for some important hockey now. With playoffs ahead, it’s just a good time to be part of this organization (in Abbotsford and Vancouver).”
Mid-March, Bains stopped by Surrey City Hall to visit Mayor Brenda Locke and others. “Arshdeep has been an inspiration to so many in our community, and big things are ahead,” the mayor tweeted.
Thanks for stopping by City Hall, Arshdeep! 🏒😎 It was an honour to welcome the local star making Surrey proud.
— Office of the Mayor (@SurreyMayor) March 16, 2024
Arshdeep has been an inspiration to so many in our community, and big things are ahead. Thank you for visit, and we are all cheering you on!@Arshdeepbains__ pic.twitter.com/w0zzbF8tVE
Jeff Shelton, who’s heading into his fifth season as president of Surrey Minor Hockey, was at the Newton restaurant Wednesday to meet Bains for the first time.
“He’s a very respectful, nice young man,” Shelton said. “We’re proud that Arshdeep’s roots are in Surrey Minor, where he played as a kid. It’s awesome to see. I mean, look at this place, it’s filled with kids, young hockey players who look up to him and maybe want to play in the NHL like him.”
The association has close to 500 players currently signed up, Shelton said. “We had a decent year on the ice — a few banners here and there. No provincials this year, but close,” he added.
The family-owned BP restaurant was opened in Newton 30 years ago this month, MacEachern noted. “It was in 1994, just in time for the Canucks’ playoff run that year,” he said of the business, which still involves his father, Dan.