The 2018 BC Tigers Hurricanes, Surrey’s first South Asian Canadian champions, will be inducted into B.C.’s Soccer Hall of Fame this fall.
Surrey’s BC Tigers Make History
A remarkable chapter in Canadian soccer is set to be celebrated this fall as Surrey’s BC Tigers Hurricanes, the 2018 Canadian club champions, are officially entering the B.C. Soccer Hall of Fame. Alongside legends like Christine Sinclair, this team’s induction marks a historic milestone for South Asian representation in Canadian soccer.
From Humble Beginnings to National Champions
The Hurricanes’ journey began in 2005 under the name Punjab Hurricanes, joining the Vancouver Metro Soccer League’s Division 3. Comprised largely of first-generation Canadians from Surrey’s South Asian community, these players had already forged strong bonds through elite youth programs. Their goal went beyond winning—they wanted to honor trailblazers like Khalsa SC and Club India, who had battled adversity and racism to carve a space for South Asians in the sport.
The Unforgettable 2018 Season
The pinnacle of the Hurricanes’ story came in Saskatoon in 2018. Led by Nick Soolsma, who scored four goals in the championship game and nine overall—earning the Golden Boot for the highest tournament tally in 18 years—the team achieved an unforgettable victory. “We were like brothers those years,” reflected Brar, one of the players.
Other key players included Gary Badesha, David Chohan, Jesse Dhami, Pawandeep Dhillon, Ryan Dhillon, Jashandeep Gill, Arjan Grewal, Kartar Hundal, Ashif Ismail, Harpreet Khakh, Gurjot Lehal, Sarpreet Pahal, Karn Phagura, Rahid Rahiem, Jeevi Rai, Pratap Sandhu, and Navjot Thind, under the guidance of coaches Soolsma, Satbir Badesha, and Rob Jandric.
A Legacy That Continues
While the original 2018 squad has since moved on—some retiring, others playing in Masters leagues—the team itself continues under the Hurricanes name in a lower division. Yet the legacy of that historic season lives on, now immortalized in the Hall of Fame.
Celebration Ahead
The BC Soccer Awards Dinner on November 8 in Burnaby will see a strong representation from the club, as former players and staff gather to celebrate their trailblazing achievement. The Soccer Hall of Fame of British Columbia honors players, coaches, referees, and organizations that have made lasting contributions to the province’s soccer community.
The BC Tigers Hurricanes’ story isn’t just about a championship—it’s about breaking barriers, inspiring a community, and leaving a mark that will be remembered for generations.
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