Surrey Knights to ice young roster under new coach and GM Steve Robinson

Steve Robinson, a veteran PJHL coach who previously led the Delta Ice Hawks, is the new head coach and general manager of the Surrey Knights. He succeeds Andy Liboiron, who left for a role with the BCHL’s Surrey Eagles.

The Knights expect to field a roster made up mostly of 16- and 17-year-olds when the reconfigured Pacific Junior Hockey League opens as an eight-team Junior B circuit. Surrey begins its season Sept. 10 against Cloverdale in North Surrey.

Robinson said the league’s reduced use of 20-year-old players and emphasis on U20 development fit his approach. He has brought former Ice Hawks players Henry Smith, Merik Erickson and Danylo Bereza to Surrey to coach younger players, and hopes the club can help athletes move to higher levels.

Surrey finished its five-game pre-season Sept. 3 with a 7-6 loss to the defending champion White Rock Whalers. Thursday home games begin at 7 p.m. at North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex. Schedule details are available at pjhl.net.