“It’s unbelievable, especially signing with the Oilers, a team I grew up watching,” said Chase. “I dreamt as a little kid playing for them. Now part of that dream is kind of true. It’s almost unexplainable at this point.”
Chase, 19, was selected by Oilers in the seventh round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and had a breakout 2013-14 campaign with the Hitmen posting career highs in goals (35), assists (50) and points (85) to finish tied for 15th in the Western Hockey League scoring race.
“I think getting drafted where I did and now signing with the team a year later, I don’t think a lot of people expected that to happen so quick,” added Chase. “It shows the year that I had and the hard work that I put in. I’ve got to thank all the people who have helped me along the way like my family, my teammates and my coaching staff in Calgary. It’s been an amazing ride.”
A native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Chase was selected by the Hitmen in the first round, 22nd overall, in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft and has appeared in 204 regular season games with the Hitmen, recording 58 goals and 104 assists for 162 points. He’s also played in 28 post season games scoring eight goals while adding 13 assists for 21 points.
“On behalf of the Hitmen organization I would like to congratulate Greg on signing his first pro contract,” said Hitmen General Manager and Vice President of Business Operations Mike Moore. “He’s made terrific strides since joining our franchise as a 16-year-old and we expect him to be an impact player for us this season.”
The Hitmen, 2-2 in the Western Hockey League pre-season, will wrap up their exhibition schedule with a pair of games this weekend in the Crowsnest Pass. Tonight they face the Lethbridge Hurricanes before meeting the Kootenay Ice on Sunday. Both games will be played at the Crowsnest Sports Complex in Coleman. Tonight is a 7:00 pm start while tomorrow’s contest is a matinee with a 2:00 pm puck drop.
The 72-game 2014-15 WHL regular season schedule begins on Saturday, September 20 with the Home Opener against the Red Deer Rebels. Game time is 7:00 pm at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Calgary Hitmen season tickets for the 20th anniversary season are available now at the Scotiabank Saddledome box office. In appreciation for the continued support the Hitmen receive from the community, the purchase or renewal of select 2014-15 season ticket packages will include a complimentary premium 20th anniversary jersey. For more ticket information or to order a limited edition jersey, visit www.hitmen20.com or call 403-777-4646.
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