Nick Johnston, affectionately known as “Big Nick,” spent more than fifteen years as the equipment manager for the Surrey Eagles, becoming a fixture in the locker rooms, travel buses and community events of the team he loved.
Colleagues and fans alike remember him as the heart and soul of the organization, a man whose generosity extended far beyond the rink and whose winning smile brightened every locker room.
The Nick Johnston Cup: A Tribute in Action
In September of last year the Eagles launched the inaugural Nick Johnston Cup, an inter‑squad pre‑season game that raised funds for the team’s Birds and Buddies program. Admission was by donation, turning a simple match into a community fundraiser that highlighted Nick’s lasting commitment to giving back.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke paid tribute, recalling Nick as a happy person with a winning smile, and noting that his impact resonated with players, coaches, staff, volunteers and fans across the region.
The outpouring of grief has been felt throughout the hockey community, with former teammates, local businesses and supporters sharing stories of Nick’s mentorship, his willingness to lend a hand, and the warmth he brought to every corner of the arena.
Though his passing leaves a void, the legacy of Nick Johnston endures in the lives he touched, the memories he created and the charitable spirit he inspired, ensuring that the Eagles will continue to play with the same passion he embodied.