Island capitals sports and entertainment
Ownership
In September 2022, Island Capitals Sports and Entertainment Group — headed by John Dewar, Bill Rai, and Clayton Stoner — acquired the Cowichan Capitals. The group is committed to restoring the franchise to its past glory while building deep roots in the Cowichan Valley community.
Partner & President – John Dewar
john@cowichancapitals.com
John Dewar is the managing partner of Maxxam Insurance and CEO of MaxxCann Insurance, which was established in 2021. John moved to The US when he was 12 to play hockey in North America and played in the BCHL from 2004-2007 with Penticton, Trail and Williams Lake. At the age of 20, John started working for Underwriters Insurance Penticton; since then, he has established himself in the insurance industry with Maxxam, having 5 locations across the province and employing over 250 staff. John has also been a coach with Cowichan Valley minor hockey for the past 10 years, helping mentor and grow young players in the sport.
Partner – Bill Rai
Bill Rai is the president of Maxxam Insurance, which he founded back in 2007, and a partner in MaxxCann Insurance. Bill is a local community man who has a vast background, owning a plethora of businesses from Insurance, Real estate, Mortgages, technology and beyond. Bill is also a partner in Champion Promotions, which is an event promotion company established in 2021. He has a passion for sports and youth development.
Partner -Clayton Stoner
The NHL veteran of 10 years, Stoner enjoyed defending the blue line for the Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks and the Vegas Golden Knights.
The History of the Cowichan Capitals
Junior A hockey has called the Cowichan Valley home since 1980. Through relocations, ownership changes, and decades of competition, the Capitals have remained one of the most storied franchises in the BCHL. Here’s how the story unfolded.
1980–82: A Strong Beginning
Junior A hockey arrived in the Cowichan Valley in the 1980–81 season and made an immediate impact. The expansion Capitals posted an impressive 29-13-0 record in their inaugural year — a remarkable debut for a brand new franchise. That first roster featured future NHL players Dean Evason, Dan Hodgson, and Geoff Courtnall, as well as future CFL lineman Glenn Kulka. From day one, the Capitals were producing talent.
1982–1993: Difficult Years
After two strong opening seasons, the Capitals faced a prolonged difficult stretch. The team missed the playoffs for five consecutive seasons as on-ice struggles coincided with declining attendance. Financial pressures mounted and the club was eventually forced to relocate out of the Cowichan Valley, where it remained until the community rallied to bring it back.
1993–94: Coming Home
In 1993, a passionate group of community investors came together with one goal — bring junior hockey back to the Cowichan Valley where it belonged. The mission succeeded. The Cowichan Valley Capitals were reborn in 1993–94, finishing that first season back with a respectable 29-29-2 record. The return sparked renewed excitement among local fans and laid the foundation for the franchise’s future.
2016–2022: The Zhang Era
In 2016, Ray Zhang became the majority owner of the Cowichan Valley Capitals, operating the franchise for six seasons through a period of transition for the organization.
2022–Present: A New Chapter
In September 2022, Island Capitals Sports and Entertainment Group — led by John Dewar, Bill Rai, and NHL veteran Clayton Stoner — purchased the Capitals and immediately set about building something special. With new energy in the front office, renewed community investment, and a commitment to on-ice excellence, the Capitals are writing the next great chapter in franchise history. The best is ahead.
