Chase Witala has taken a major step toward playing professional hockey.
Witala, who was a 20-year-old member of the Prince George Cougars this Western Hockey League season, has signed an amateur tryout contract with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. The Marlies are affiliated with the National Hockey League's Toronto Maple Leafs.
"Chase has accomplished so many great things over the course of his time in Prince George and we are thrilled that he gets a chance to continue his hockey career at the pro level with such a storied franchise," said Cougars general manager Todd Harkins.
Mark Holick, Cougars head coach, added: "Chase has always been someone I could trust to put in the effort required. That effort was rewarded today. I'm a very proud coach."
The six-foot, 170-pound Witala skated with the Dallas Stars last fall but remained an NHL free agent. He went on to have a memorable final season with the Cougars, as he set the new franchise record for goals (120) and points (239). For the 2015-16 season alone, he had a team-leading 79 points (40 goals, 39 assists) in 71 games and was named the Cougars' most valuable player. As well, Witala was chosen as a second-team all-star in the WHL's Western Conference.
Witala, a hometown boy, played five full seasons with the Cougars. The Cats selected him in the fifth round of the 2010 WHL bantam draft.
