A consistent goal scorer is as good as gold for a hockey team.
Nolan Chastko’s habit for putting the puck in the net is a quality that proved irresistible to the Prince George Cougars.
They just had to sign the 2005-born forward to a WHL contract.
Chastko was added to the Cougars’ 50-player protected list just before their training camp in September and the five-foot-eight, 145-pound Brandon, Man., native has blossomed this season playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Manitoba U-18 triple-A Hockey League.
In 42 games he has 53 goals and 28 assists for 81 points. He leads the league in goal scoring and is third in the league scoring race.
“Nolan had a strong training camp in September and since had had exceptional season in Manitoba,” said Cougars’ director of scouting Bob Simmonds. “He has shown the ability to be a true goal scorer. His overall play has earned him this opportunity. We are thrilled to welcome Nolan and his family to the Cougars organization.”
Last season, a 15-year-old Chastko collected seven goals and 10 points in eight games with his Brandon triple-A U-18 team in a pandemic-shortened season.
The Cougars host goalie Taylor Gauthier and the Portland WInterhawks tonight and Saturday at CN Centre. Game tme both nights is 7 p.m.
