Biscuits and Breezers

Player Request:
Dylan Chase

    Welcome back to another blog of Biscuits and Breezers! We have another player request! Yes young rookie defenseman for the Missoula Maulers, Dylan Chase has been requested! If I might point out it is a total coincidence that another Mauler was picked. Hopefully and probably I will have players from other teams requested in the future. Well we need to start somewhere so here we go! Dylan Chase is 5 ft 10, 185 lbs, and is from Riverwoods, Illinois, USA. I couldn't locate his 2011-2012 stats but his 2012-2013 stats are 2 goals in 38 games played, 16 assists, 18 TPs, a +/- of 21, 38 PIMs, 1 power play goal, 7 power play assists, and 1 game winning goal. So far playing 40 games, the Maulers won 22, lost 16, had 2 overtime loses, and have a total of 26 points total. They are sitting in fourth place in the AWHL League Standings. Dylan is a very good defenseman but being a rookie, he has a lot of competition with the veteran Maulers. Last year, the Maulers were known for their amazing defenseman that ultimately took them all the way to being the regular season champions. This as a 2012-2013 rookie is a lot to live up to, but I think he is doing a fantastic job of it. He is one of the star d-men and is one of the most beloved players in Missoula, Montana. I actually had the pleasure of interviewing him so I think we will get to that next!

Dylan's Roster Photo (Credit to Missoula Maulers)

 The first question I asked Dylan was, "How do you think your season is going so far? Is it going as you expected it to go?" Chase responded, "I think our season isn't going as many people have planned it to go thus far. There have definitely been some highs and lows throughout the year and we have lost a handful of games that we shouldn't have dropped. On the other hand, we have won some big games against good teams so far." The next question I asked was, "You are one of the star players in the town of Missoula, how do you feel about that?" He said, "Haha well I don't really view myself like that but it definitely feels good for some people to see me as a 'star player'. I just try to go out there every game and give it my very best." I asked Dylan, "I have been really impressed with your plays lately, how are you planning to step things up for next season?" He replied, "Thank you...You know I don't really know the makeup of the team next year but the off season is very important for any hockey player. Lifting and staying in shape is essential to going into training camp in top shape. The off season is also a time to improve your skill set. If all the guys buy into doing that, the team can be very successful next year." "This player request was sent in by a huge fan of yours in Missoula. If you could say something to them or your fan base in general what would it be?" Dylan answered, " I came to Missoula a little late than most of the guys and I didn't really know what to expect. Well I never expected all the love that the team got as well as kids having signs with my name on it and I have to say it's been unbelievable. It makes every home game that much more exciting when you got a big crowd cheering you on and hear people screaming your name....So who ever requested me, I appreciate it and I hope we can make a great run in the playoffs for you guys!" "Do you think you will stay with the Maulers for another season or do you think you will move up?" Chase said, "Right now I'm not sure where hockey will bring me...as of now I'm just focused on finishing out this year strong." The last question I had for Dylan was, " How has it been being a rookie for the Maulers? How have the boys been to you and how has the city treated you? Anything special or an event that happened that you will always remember?" The last answer from Dylan was, "Being a rookie has been great...the boys are never too harsh and it's all in good fun when rookies are singled out...The city has been great everybody is so kind especially when they find out you play for the Maulers....Something I'll never forget (and probably my single most favorite hockey moment ever) would have to be my first game as a Mauler scoring the overtime goal in our home opener against Billings. I don't think I slept that night!" As you can see Dylan is very happy to live in Missoula and is absolutely thriving. Getting along with the team, town, and the fans. Thank you so much for the interview it was great talking with you!

High Performance Hockey League

   As you can see this has probably been one of the best years in Dylan's hockey career. I feel like, if he doesn't move up, will work with the Maulers for quite awhile because he fits perfectly in with the organization. You can tell when you see him on the ice that he is coached very well and properly. He has great hands, stick control, and passes. Dylan though isn't a defenseman that goes out and makes the big hits that get the crowd on their feet. He works and progresses more towards the technical aspects of the game such as handling, passing, shooting, and scoring. Every time we gets a chance with the puck the fans go crazy. The reason behind this is because he can make the necessary connections to tuck things top cheese, five hole, or corners behind the goalie. I have gotten the privilege many times this season to watch the Maulers home games and let me tell you it was quite the experience. I am very happy that I got to see a different side of him then what you would expect from him. Chase is very dedicated, whole hearted, appreciative, and deserves a lot more ice-time in my opinion! It is really nice a junior player now a days who strives to make the audience happy and actually plays for them. He isn't too cocky off the ice (considering hockey players get to be a little cocky at times just for the fact they are hockey players) and is very warm and welcoming to any one who will give him a minute to talk with them.  Good luck Dylan with the Maulers, in your future hockey career, and hopefully you guys get a playoff spot to end the regular season with a bang!
   

Missoula Maulers 2012-2013 (Credit to Missoula Maulers)

    Thanks for reading another blog of Biscuits and Breezers! Every blog will be filled with updated hockey news, player reviews, and so much more! Until next time remember, don't get your breezers in a bunch because hockey is always around the corner. Remember, it's always a great day for hockey and it's a lifestyle not just a sport! I really hope that Dylan moves up next year but if he doesn't, which would be an extreme mistake for any team, I hope he stays with the Maulers because he is such a perfect defenseman for them! Unfortunately we have to end the blog here but hopefully I will be putting up videos of their games and showing some of Dylan's shifts in them so make sure to look out for them. Thanks for sticking with us and keep putting player reviews in because as long as they keep coming I will keep writing them! Thanks again Dylan!