Adrian College via Soo Eagles
Chase Matson gained a good reputation as a dependable, team-first, hard-working forward during two seasons with the Soo Eagles when they were members of the North American Hockey League.
And it was because of his work ethic, character and personality that Matson became one of my favourite players to watch when he skated for the Eagles during the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 NAHL seasons.
Now a National Collegiate Athletic Association freshman with the Division 3, Adrian College Bulldogs, Matson has slowly-but-surely become a regular in the lineup for the team that is ranked no. 1 in the latest USCHO.com national poll.
Adrian College sports a current record of 17-2-1 as the Bulldogs continue to maintain their status as one of the very-best Division 3, NCAA programs in the United States.
As for Matson, who hails from the Detroit suburb of Livonia, he has played in 13 games for the Bulldogs and has 2 goals, 7 assists, 9 points while putting up a 3.4 grade point average in the classroom as a business management major.
After playing two seasons in the Soo, Matson is now living closer to home again as Adrian is less than an hour-and-a-half from the family home in Livonia.
Matson, in an interview with HockeyNewsNorth.com, said he “loves it” at Adrian and noted that the caliber of play at the Division 3 level “is a lot better than I thought it would be.
“The skill level is really high and it’s a fast-paced game,” said the 21-year old Matson. “I have to admit that when I first came here, I didn’t think the caliber of play would be this good.”
After being an in-and-out-of-the-lineup player earlier in the season, Matson now has more of a regular role with the Bulldogs.
“I have learned a lot from our coaching staff and I have been playing a lot more over the past three or four weeks. Besides my regular shift, I have also been killing some penalties and getting some time on the power play,” said the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Matson who during his two seasons with the Eagles totaled 22 goals, 25 assists, 47 points in 112 games.
Matson said he has “great memories” of his two years in the Soo and credits former Eagles co-coach Alex Sawruk for his development.
“Coach Alex really helped improve my knowledge of the game,” said Matson. “He played a major role in my development.”
PHOTO: Chase Matson, in action with the Adrian College Bulldogs.
Always competed hard when he played for us.
Chase showed his great spirit as a member of the Eagles / glad to see him doin well in School and Hockey combining the 2. Another awsome article by R.R.
Chase worked very hard and Coach Bruno and Coach Alex loved his attitude. Always played hard and was also very positive. Glad to see he is having fun at college
Chase has the speed and knoweldge that all great and successful hockey players have. I consider Chase a division 1 player playing division 3. He had lots of interest from D-1 programs, and I truly believe if he were an inch or two taller, we would all be watching him at a D-1 school. His attitude and determination is second to none. He’s coachable, hard working, humble, and a true example for any teammates around him. I won’t be surprised if we all see Chase brake records at Adrian. Best of luck to you, Matty!
— Coach Alex
Never had the opportunity to coach Chase but have heard nothing but good things about him! Bruno spoke very highly about him. Not surprised that his development went thru Bruno who has spent 25 plus years helping kids reach the next level. His record is unprecedented in our league for moving players. Also had the opportunity to coach Alex in midget and not surprised that he made such a fine coach! The game needs more young guys like you to make the game better!
I like the NA a lot but to be honest I am glad that the Eagles are back in the NOHL. The rivalrees in the NOJHL are the best espesially Eagles/Thunderbirds, Eagles/Blind River and Eagles/Elliott Lake all those visiting Teams bring there fans to the Pullar making for a GREAT atmosphere.