The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack has signed its second local product and fourth recruit for the 2012-13 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.
The ‘Pack are pleased to announce that Chad Edwards has committed to the program for next season. The 6’0” Edwards is a graduate of Sa-hali Secondary and has been a member of the Kamloops Storm of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League the past four seasons. In 2011-12, he was the Storm’s second leading scorer with 45 goals and 38 assists for 83 points. He also had 171 minutes in penalty time.
"I thought that being from Kamloops that Thompson Rivers University would be the best fit for me," he said. "I could still be with all my friends and have my family watch me at the same time as going to a great school."
Edwards has taken a few courses over the last couple of years at Thompson Rivers. His future plans include getting into the TRU Natural Resources and Sciences program.
"I’m also looking at the Police and Justice program because one of my goals is to join the RCMP," he adds.
Edwards is a forward who played 147 games in the KIJHL scoring 68 goals, 57 assists (125 points) and accumulated 395 minutes in penalty time. He had 26 power play goals during his Junior B career.
"He came through for us at big times," said Storm head coach Geoff Smith, a former NHL defenceman with Florida, Edmonton and the New York Rangers. "He’s a happy kid who was always glad to be at the rink. He is a very responsible player who has a great shot and is a good leader. He is an impact player who skates well."
Smith added that Edwards had the tools to play above the Junior B level but stayed back to concentrate on his schooling.
Edwards will be reunited with his long-time minor hockey and Storm teammate Tyler Jackson.
"Once I found out he was coming to TRU, it made the decision to commit to the WolfPack even easier. We are good friends and grew up together. Last year, he helped me get a lot of goals because of his great passing skills."
Like his former and now current teammate Jackson, WolfPack head coach Don Schulz has been an influence during his formative years, coaching Edwards in Pee Wee “AAA” and Bantam “AAA”.
"Don’s son Duncan and I grew up together playing hockey and lacrosse,” he says. "I love Don to death and I think he is an awesome coach."
Coach Schulz is looking forward to adding another chapter to their relationship: "Chase is a gifted goal scorer and is very instinctive in the offensive end. Puck's seem to find him. He has an excellent shot and skilled hands. He is a good skater and has some physicality to his game. I'm looking for him to contribute offensively and has the potential to be a top 6 forward."
There are a number of former members of the Storm and Kamloops Minor Hockey who are members of the WolfPack, that familiarity with his soon-to-be teammates puts Edwards at ease when it comes to training camp in September.
"For sure, I know a lot of the guys so I am pretty sure I could fit in pretty well right from the start," he adds.
Edwards hasn’t been to a BCIHL game but he knows the competition will be a step up from his junior days.
"For sure it is going to be better: the guys are older and the speed will be faster. The size will change from what I am used to. There will be quite a few changes but I think both Tyler and I will adjust to it quickly and hopefully we can jump in and make a contribution."
Says general manager Chris Hans: "Chase has had a good junior career and we are happy that he has chosen to play his collegiate hockey in front of friends and family in his hometown while attending Thompson Rivers University."
Other WolfPack signees so far for 2012-13, besides Edwards and Jackson are Anthony Delong (Castlegar Rebels, KIJHL) and Brennan Wright (LaRonge Ice Wolves, SJHL).
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