Wouters Talks Abbotsford Leadership After June NHL Deal
In a new interview, Abbotsford’s captain discusses mentoring teammates and the community after signing with Vancouver this summer.
Chase Wouters says his first NHL contract has not changed his priorities as captain of the Abbotsford Canucks. In a September 20 interview with The Hockey News, he emphasized helping younger teammates and staying connected to the community that supports the club.
Vancouver announced Wouters' one-year, two-way contract on June 17. The deal gave the undrafted forward an NHL opportunity after five seasons in Abbotsford; it was not a new signing this week.
Wouters has captained Abbotsford since 2022 and led the club to the 2025 Calder Cup. The Canucks say he has been named Abbotsford's Man of the Year four times for his community work. That is a club award, not the leaguewide AHL Man of the Year honor.
Speaking to The Hockey News, Wouters called the contract a dream come true but said he remains focused on developing teammates in Abbotsford. He described the community's support as central to the team's identity and said the club would handle the roster changes that come with NHL call-ups.
- thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/players/abbotsford-canucks-captain-chase-wouters-speaks-on-his-well-deserved-first-nhl-contract↗
- nhl.com/canucks/news/canucks-agree-to-terms-with-chase-wouters-on-a-one-year-two-way-contract↗
- nhl.com/canucks/news/chase-wouters-earned-first-nhl-contract-and-continues-being-a-leader-in-abbotsford↗
