A bid to buy the Chilliwack Bruins and keep the Western Hockey League team playing in Prospera Centre may have hit a home run.

Bruins minority owner Moray Keith has confirmed that Minnesota Twins first baseman, and former American League Most Valuable Player, Justin Morneau has expressed interest in joining the bid to buy the team.

"Justin and my son are good friends," Keith told the Times via text message. "He has expressed interest in being ivolved in hockey in Chilliwack with Jim Bond and our family. We would be honoured to have Justin partner with us. He is a remarkable young man and athlete."

Morneau grew up in New Westminster and his father, George, is involved in the Valley Sports Zone, out of which he will be holding baseball clinics.

Keith—who is a Vancouver car dealer—told the Times on Monday that he and Chiefs Development Group partner Jim Bond, the two already had the financial resources to purchase the Bruins. Bond owns a construction company.

But with Morneau midway through a six-year $80-million contract, the slugger's involvement can only increase the group's financial clout.

Morneau's interest in hockey is not new.

While he's made a name bashing baseballs out of Major League parks, Morneau was also a promising goaltender during his youth. In fact, he wears the number 33 in honour of former Montreal Canadiens legend Patrick Roy.

tolsen@chilliwacktimes.com