Two 20-year-old players the Cougars traded for this season have now signed deals with NHL teams, and this one should come as no surprise to fans.
Chase Wheatcroft has signed a 3-year entry level deal with the NHL’s Dallas Stars as he completes one of the best individual seasons in Cougars franchise history.
In 65 games with the Cats this year, Wheatcroft has quickly become a fan favourite, scoring 47 goals and 57 assists for 104 points – second in the entire WHL behind only Connor Bedard.
He has 29 points in his last 12 games.
Wheatcroft is just the second Prince George Cougar to ever hit 100 points, behind Quinn Hancock who had 112 in 69 games in 1997-98.
✍️ Welcome to #TexasHockey, Chase!
We have signed Chase Wheatcroft to a three-year, entry-level contract.
MORE: https://t.co/HZx3j3C9b1 pic.twitter.com/hR8OINHga8
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 18, 2023
Before joining the Cougars, Wheatcroft had played 137 games in either a Lethbridge or Winnipeg jersey, collecting 82 points.
Wheatcroft is the second Cougars overager to sign an NHL deal this month – the Cougars acquired him for a fourth round pick in the fall.
Jaxson Wiebe signed with the Anaheim Ducks on March 2nd.
Moving into the playoffs the Cougars now have five NHL products on their roster, Wiebe and Wheatcroft joining defenseman Ethan Samson (Philadelphia), and goaltenders Tyler Brennan (New Jersey) and Ty Young (Vancouver).
They will play their final two games of the regular season in a weekend home-and-home against Kamloops.