About Us

2022-Present

Island Capitals Sports and Entertainment Group, headed by John Dewar, Bill Rai and Clayton Stoner bought the Capitals in September from seven-season former owner Ray Zhang. The Group is working to restore the Cowichan Valley Capitals’ franchise to some of its past glory, while building strong relationships with the community.

Island Capitals Sports and Entertainment

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 owing 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.

Clayton was a top D man in the WHL and was drafted 3rd round by the Minnesota Wild in the 2004 NHL draft. He then went to play in the AHL to further develop his skills and prepare him for the NHL. A long career including a NHL final and Two Western conference final appearances throughout his career Stoner decided to retire in 2018 after struggling with recurring injuries.

Timeline of the Capitals

1980-82: A Strong Beginning

Junior ‘A’ hockey began in the Cowichan Valley in the 1980-81 season. The expansion team, called the Capitals, impressed in their inaugural season with a record of 29-13-0. The team also had an impressive line including future NHL players Dean Evason, Dan Hodgson and Geoff Courtnall, as well as future CFL lineman Glenn Kulka.

1982-1993: Decline, Relocation Multiple Times

After posting 65 wins in their first two years, the Capitals would miss the playoffs for each of the next five seasons. The teams’ struggles also coincided with poor attendances, which lead to the club relocating until 1993-94

1993-94: Back to the Valley

In 1993, a large group of people in the community purchased the team with the vision of bringing the hockey club back to the Cowichan Valley. In 1993-94, the Cowichan Valley Capitals were re-born with a hard-working brand as the Capitals finished that first year back with a respectable 29-29-2 record.

2016-2022

The Cowichan Valley Capitals Junior Hockey Team was purchased by new majority owner Ray Zheng.