Former Cougars’ Equipment Manager eager to take on new challenge with Abbotsford

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“I always wanted to make it to the pro level. Being here for 13 years, I didn’t think I’d get that chance. I was happy here. The organization really treated me well here.”

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Chico began his career in hockey with the Humboldt Broncos in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. His three-year stint with the Broncos culminated with a national junior ‘A’ championship in 2008. He has also worked extensively with Hockey Canada, as he held the position of Equipment Manager for the women’s Under-18 and Under-22 national teams and the men’s Under-17 team.

With the experience at the junior level, Dhanjal admits he’ll miss those long road trips from Prince George and really aiding in the maturity and development of junior hockey players.

“The players are going to be number one. Sitting on the bus with them, playing cards with them, and teaching them about our league, about the Western Hockey League. Telling them it’s no easy ride, it is a really hard league and being in Prince George it’s hard because of the travel. But it’s a lot of fun.”

Having spent all five years of his junior career with the Cougars, Defenceman Jack Sander says he found out very quickly just how crucial Chico was to the day-to-day operations of the Cats, as well as pushing the players in the right direction.

“Chico was very amazing at being strict when he had t be strict, but also welcoming the young guys and making them have fun, and making sure they know it’s going to be a lot of hard work but it’s also going to be the best time of your life,” said Sander.

Having just wrapped up his final year of eligibility in the WHL, Sander admits there were a few times he and Chico butted heads on equipment and preferences.

“I always remember it was a batter to get a stick from him sometimes,” laughed Sander. “Even though I’d tell him I just broke one he’s always questioned me on if I snapped it myself.”

And Dhanjal knows he’s going up against a whole new challenge in now dealing with players in their 20s rather than teenagers.

“It’s going to be a challenge to see how I can connect with them. But what I’ve been told and what I’ve heard is with my personality it shouldn’t be a problem.”