Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Adding the all-important grit/speed combo to the lineup to better help the Griffins handle the rigours of the Canada West loop has been paramount in head coach Michael Ringrose's off-season recruiting strategy.
On Friday, Ringrose announced that physical, speedy Medicine Hat Tigers right winger Carter Chorney is joining MacEwan for the 2022-23 Canada West season.
"He's a big strong, right-handed forward," said Ringrose. "He spent most of his junior time in the Western Hockey League and finished in Medicine Hat. He's a guy I worked with very closely at Vimy (Ridge Academy), so I've known him a long time."
The Sherwood Park product recently wrapped up a journeyman's junior career, playing for five different organizations – including four in the Western Hockey League (Spokane, Swift Current, Regina and Medicine Hat) – and a brief stint in 2021-22 with his hometown Crusaders in the AJHL.
The theme was the same – the 6-foot, 183-pound winger brought a key element to the lineup.
"He's a great skater, is great on the forecheck, really good stick – has the ability to get to the front of the net," said Ringrose. "He's a big body, a very strong impact forward. We're looking forward to getting him in here.
"We think he's going to add some offence and score for us up front. Adding that kind of size to our forward group is something we identified as needing to do. He checks that box."
Chorney was selected by the Spokane Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 WHL draft after recording 118 points over two Bantam AAA seasons with the Sherwood Park Flyers, which included winning that loop's rookie of the year honour in 2014-15.
In the WHL, Chorney produced 64 points in 221 career games. And in a 21-game stint with the Crusaders last season, Chorney netted six goals and 18 points.
"He's just big and strong and he'll be able to step in and handle the physicality of U SPORTS hockey, playing against men," said Ringrose. "Because of that, I expect him to be able to step in and have an impact on our roster right off the hop."
