Reza Binab is the Business Operations Manager for the University of Victoria Vikes Men’s Hockey team. Reza brings a life time of knowledge and experience of operating hockey teams and his own businesses to help the Vikes hockey club be successful.
Reza moved from Iran to Nelson British Columbia in 1967 to attend Notre Dame University College to play soccer. Could you imagine not speaking the language and moving so far to attend a school and play soccer.
Reza was very lucky meeting Ernie Gare Senior who supported him in his transition to Canada. Ernie introduced Reza to his family. Reza continues to be very good friends with the Gare’s. Reza attended many hockey games with Ernie watching Danny Gare playing junior’s in the WHL with the Calgary Centennials and later in the NHL. Reza is a true hockey fan and because of his friendship with the Gare family stayed involved in hockey his entire life. Reza also continued for many years to play soccer.
Reza quickly figured out how to survive academically at school and how to make money. In the early days Reza worked with the student counsel at Notre Dame and helped set up numerous fund raisers for the school and eventually for the City of Nelson. Reza worked at the mine in Greenwood for a short period and then for the Ferraro family at the Super Value in Nelson before buying into a partnership in the hotel business in Trail.
While attending Notre Dame University College Reza met allot of people like Currie Chapman, Nancy Greene Raine who were part of Canada’s National ski team. Reza also got to know many different hockey players attending the school and playing for the Nelson Maples Leafs in the senior league. Most importantly Reza met his wife Gerry at Notre Dame University College and the rest is history. Reza and Gerry recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends.
Reza’s work ethic and head for business allowed him to be very successful eventually owning and operating a hotel in Trail and Port Alberni and other businesses later on.
Reza has over 50 years of experience in hockey. In the early days working with the Nelson Maple Leafs and Trail Smoke Eaters of the Western International Hockey League. If you ever have the opportunity to meet Reza make sure you ask him his stories of meeting and working with all the men and women that contributed so much to Canada’s game.
When Reza moved to Victoria with his family he owned a small business on Shelbourne street in Saanich before selling it and working full time in junior hockey. Reza along with Marcel Fisher started the Victoria Cougars franchise of the VIJHL.
Reza worked with the Victoria Salsa and eventually worked and was a part owner of the Victoria Grizzlies.
Reza has always believed in supporting the community and giving back. Reza decided after leaving the Victoria Grizzlies organization that he wanted to help support and grow the Vikes Men’s Hockey team and BCIHL. Reza works countless hours supporting the team, coaching staff and volunteers.
We are very appreciative to have Reza supporting the Vikes and the University of Victoria. Without his knowledge and support the Vikes team would no longer be in operation.
Reza’s priority in life is his wife Gerry, his kids and all of his grand kids. Reza and Gerry spend allot of time and energy with family. Reza is an amazing and loyal friend for the people he has met throughout his life time of business and sports.
Thanks Reza for your support and most importantly Gerry thanks for allowing your husband to spend so much time volunteering.