Chad Nehring has signed his first professional hockey contract.
The former Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League player with the Yorkton Terriers is now a member of the Idaho Steelheads.
The opportunity to join the East Coast Hockey League team, which is affiliated with the NHL's Dallas Stars came about as a result of a teammate's contacts.
"My roommate and linemate at college, Tyson Hobbins, was coached by Hardy Sauter with the Nipawin Hawks," Nehring, who grew up at Springside told Yorkton This Week. "Hardy called Tyson when our college season ended and wanted him to come and asked if I would too. Hardy is the coach with the Idaho Steelheads."
The trip west was based on a try-out, but Nehring made the best of the opportunity.
"Initially I signed an amateur tryout offer (ATO) and came in for a week, three-games," he said. "I played well and Hardy wanted to sign me to a real contract.
"First, he flew me back in order to get school taken care off for two days, then I flew back today (March 30) to join the team for the rest of the season, playoffs starting next week."
The pro contract does mean Nehring will face some challenges completing his year at Lake Superior State, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI., but he said it is something he made sure he could work around.
"I discussed the situation with all of my professors and we are going to make it work as long as I complete my assignments," he explained. "Most of this will work through email. If we are still in playoffs during finals week I will fly back for a couple of days to complete my tests so I will be able to graduate with a Kinesiology degree on April 30."
Nehring said the adjustment to professional hockey has been a quick one.
"It has been an easy adjustment, ECHL reminds me of the SJHL as in the speed of the game, however, the players are much stronger in stature and with their sticks," he said, adding "college prepared me well for this because I believe it is a slower game then college."
It appears Nehring is fitting in nicely.
"I also played tonight (March 30), and scored my first pro goal," he said, adding it was a "snap shot low blocker." Nehring noted he also "had a penalty shot later in the game after 小蓝视频 hooked on a breakaway.
"I was named second star on the night."
As for his four years at Lake Superior State Nehring said it proved a great opportunity.
"It was an amazing experience, 小蓝视频 able to play four years of hockey while earning a degree," he said. "Playing with and against future NHL stars was also a thrill."
As was the case as a Terrier, Nehring said he simply played the game hard while in college.
"I believe I gave it my all year in and year out, working hard to make myself the best I could," he said. "My numbers were not as good as I would have liked them to be. My best season was my Junior year, I was second on the team with 12-goals and was having a good year until I ran into a sports hernia and torn groin which needed to be surgically repaired."
Nehring said the American college game is certainly different from Junior hockey in Saskatchewan.
"The biggest change is the speed from junior to college. College is a fast league with guys buzzing around everywhere and you have no time to make stuff happen," he said.
"Also, the schedule of only 34-games in college compared to junior about 55."
The adjustment was also off the ice for a young man from small town/city Saskatchewan.
"Yes it was difficult off ice because you are on your own in college, and it is time to mature in a hurry," said Nehring. "I had to juggle school and hockey, driving yourself to be as successful as possible.
"Also, moving away from family and my brother (former Terrier Dustin Nehring) - someone that I did everything with - was tough."
When looking back on his now completed college career Nehring said there was not a single moment which stands out for him, but rather the entire experience.
"The highlight was probably meeting a great group of guys that I will have friendships with forever," he said. "Also, giving my family the ability to come visit and watch me was a thrill for them as well."
As for the future, Nehring said it will be with the Steelheads.
"Hardy (Coach Sauter) told me he wants me to come back to Idaho next season so I committed to him," he said. "So hopefully everything works out and I am playing here next season."
