The Prince George Cougars’ Equipment Manager Ramandeep “Chico” Dhanjal has accepted a position with the Abbotsford Canucks, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks.
Dhanjal started with the Cougars in the 2008-09 season and has spent the past 13 seasons with the team, becoming one of the longest-serving members of the Northern BC franchise.
“We’re excited for Chico and his family for this opportunity to move up to the professional ranks,” said Cougars’ General Manager & Head Coach Mark Lamb. “He was so passionate about the Cougars and was a tireless worker. He loved his job. No one deserves this more than him.”
He has been on the bench for nearly 900 regular-season games in the WHL and has also twice represented the Cougars as an Equipment Manager on Team WHL for the Canada Russia Series.
His hockey career started with a three-year stint with the Humboldt Broncos in Saskatchewan, which ended with a national Junior A championship in 2008.
Meanwhile, he’s also done extensive work alongside Hockey Canada, holding an Equipment Manager position for the women’s Under-18 and Under-22 national teams and the men’s Under-17 team.
“Firstly, I want to thank my wife and family for their support throughout my time with the Cougars. I also want to thank the Cougars’ ownership group who have treated me so well during my time in the Western Hockey League,” said Dhanjal.
The Cougars organization would like to thank Chico for his dedication and service to the team and the community of Prince George.
“I also have to thank Rick Brodsky and Dallas Thompson for taking a chance on me 13 years ago and bringing me to Prince George. I have worked with an amazing group of people during my time with the Cougars and my family and I loved living in Prince George. It’s such a diverse and welcoming community. We will miss it.”