The Chilliwack Chiefs are proud to announce the signing of 2004-born goaltender Austin McNicholas for the upcoming 2022/23 BCHL season.
The 6’1 netminder comes to Chilliwack after a season of prep school hockey with Salisbury. In 17 games played, he earned a 1.78 GAA, a .926 save percentage, and helped his team win their seventh NEPSAC championship in school history.
McNicholas, a Clarence Center, New York product, also recently had the opprunity to play for Team USA for the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. At the tournment, he played one game where he recorded an 18 save shut out.
“Austin is a goaltender we are extremely excited about. He is a proven winner who comes from a great program that we have a lot of familiarity with. We couldn’t be happier to welcome him and his family to Chilliwack,” said Chiefs Head Coach and General Manager Brian Maloney.
For Chiefs Goaltending Coach Mackenzie Skapski, he said it was McNicholas’s compete level that caught his attention.
“He has a very calming presence about him and we are excited to continue his growth as a player with our organization,” Skapski added.
McNicholas joins a long list of Salisbury alumni who have become Chilliwack Chiefs.
“I’ve heard great things about the BCHL and the Chilliwack Chiefs organization. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. After talking it over with my family, friends, and coaches we all agreed that this was the right place for me,” said the netminder.
McNicholas will also be joining his Salisbury teammate Ryan Walsh who committed to the Chiefs earlier this year.
“I can’t wait to get started next year. I want to bring another championship home to Chilliwack,” said McNicholas.
