Part 5 of 5
In his first year as a Prince George Cougar and his last year of junior hockey, Chase Wheatcroft had a historic season.
Acquired from the Winnipeg ICE for a fourth-round draft pick, in 68 games Wheatcroft produced 47 goals and 60 assists for 107 points, second in league scoring behind only Connor Bedard.
Wheatcroft’s ability to dominate the puck and make something out of nothing, combined with his tireless work ethic in both ends of the ice, paid off in him signing an NHL contract with the Dallas Stars.
“It’s been a really successful year for me, a career year, honestly that’s changed my life,” he said. “Dallas took a chance on me and I’m ready to see what I can prove at the next level and I can’t thank Prince George enough.
Wheatcroft’s dad Jim played in the WHL in the late ‘80’s as a tough winger with the Lethbridge Hurricanes but Chase credits him mom for giving him his soft hands around the net.
“I can’t say it was my dad, he used his hands to punch guys in the face,” he said. “He could score goals but he was known for contributing in different ways to get a spark going for the boys.”
Wheatcroft went 15 games deep into the playoffs last year with Winnipeg and he needs no convincing the Cougars have what it takes to get that far and beyond in their playoff run, which starts tonight at CN Centre with the Tri-City Americans.
“Playoffs is the best time of the year, it’s what you work the entire year for and I know our group is ready for it and I’m excited as well, it’s my last kick at the can so I’ll give it all I’ve got and hopefully we get some wins and some rind wins and let’s see how far we can take this thing.”
