Bozeman, Montana, has a rich history in hockey, fostering young talent and providing a foundation for players to pursue their dreams. One such player is Chase Wesen, a Bozeman native who has made significant strides in his hockey career.
Chase Wesen
Early Beginnings in Bozeman
Wesen's hockey journey began at the young age of four, playing at the Termite level in the Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association (BAHA). He grew up in Bozeman, developing his skills and passion for the sport in his hometown.
He played with numerous BAHA youth teams, as well as the Montana Thunderblades state all-star team, before leaving to play AAA hockey in South Dakota.
Wesen recalls watching the Icedogs Junior team games with his parents, which further ignited his love for hockey. The support from various coaches throughout the years also played a crucial role in his development. "I think the Icedogs Junior team, when I was younger, I'd go watch the games with my parents and that really started it for me. Playing in Montana, and then different coaches I had throughout the years that helped me, pushed me."
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Despite the challenges of playing hockey in a less-known hockey state, Wesen persevered. "There is hockey there, it's just not as known."
Move to South Dakota
The 17-year-old is a center for the Sioux Falls Junior Stampede AAA in South Dakota, where he will be a senior in high school.
Leaving Bozeman to play AAA hockey in South Dakota was a significant step in Wesen's career, even though he missed the Montana mountains and outdoors. "I miss the mountains and the outdoors, so that was tough," Wesen said.
Invitation to the USA Hockey National Player Development Camp
Wesen's hard work and dedication paid off when he received an invitation to the USA Hockey Boys Select 17 National Player Development Camp.
Riley Keller 2007 - 2023 U.S.A. Hockey National Development Camp- NYS Evaluation
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"I knew I had an all right shot, but it was good news to hear when I found out, and I'm pretty excited about it," Wesen said. "To finally see that everything is now paying off, so that I can get up at this level and hopefully make something out of it."
Opportunities at the Camp
The National Player Development Camp presents a significant opportunity for Wesen to showcase his skills in front of college and junior-level scouts. "I'll definitely be in front of a lot of eyes," Wesen said.
"It's a great opportunity, and I'm going to definitely take it all in and just do what I can," he said.
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