Built on Belief: Chase Wouters breaks down the playoff push

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After the team’s final skate before heading to Charlotte, Jaslyne caught up with Chase Wouters to chat about the season, the road to the Finals, and what they’re focusing on heading into the next round.

Jaslyne:

So what was like, [your] initial thoughts, after that final buzzer, when everyone was over in the corner, like, how did it feel?

Chase:

Yeah. I mean, obviously a lot of excitement. Like, I kind of said it was a goal we worked on all year to get to this point, obviously. And, you know, we're excited and we're not surprised. We are putting a lot of work to get to this point. So it's, yeah, it's fun.

Belief was a word constantly used to describe the team's efforts, even when the road wasn’t smooth. Resiliency has been another term used to describe the team by the players and coaching staff. 

Jaslyne:

Looking at how the season started to now, what was the turning point for you in the season? What was the moment of ‘you know what, we could actually get here?’

Chase:

Yeah. I mean, I think we kind of had that belief all year. It took us a while to kind of find our game and our rhythm, [but we got] there around January. I don't think we were, you know, too high in the standings, but there was always that belief, and that's kind of what, I guess, kept us going through that time. We knew the group we had, we knew the group we still have. And it's, yeah, we obviously believed in each other, believed in ourselves, and that's kind of what's got us here.

A strong core group, steady mindset, and serious momentum has driven this team. They have stayed locked in no matter what’s been thrown their way.

Jaslyne:

Even with all the roster changes and everything, the core was still there, and when preparing yourself for the first round, was there always that, “Yeah, we're actually gonna make it there,” belief in the locker room?

Chase:

Yeah, it's kind of like that belief. I mean, I'm sure everyone thought, you know, thinks we can get to this point, and thought that we could. This experience has been amazing. It's, you know, the fans have been amazing. The team has been amazing. It's everyone in that room enjoying every moment of it. And it's fun, it's good. We get to keep playing and keep it going.

Home ice has been the advantage for this team all season, the loud cheering, and sold out games, highlights the power of showing up. 

Jaslyne:What's been the most memorable point for you?

Chase:

As soon as the playoffs started, the overtime wins were pretty amazing. I think for everyone it’s a stressful watch. I don't know, even in the first round there, when we lost game two there to Tucson, and we kind of had our first, I guess, backs against the wall kind of game. And just know, the way we played that game and the way the team kind of built around that was definitely a moment that I'll remember. And then, I kind of like all the overtime games, but, I mean, I don't know if there's one turning point, but it's just coming to the rink every day with the guys has been the best part of it all, honestly.

Now, it’s time to take that fire on the road all the way to North Carolina as they face off against the Charlotte Checkers, the Florida Panthers AHL affiliate team.

Jaslyne:

Taking all the energy from the other night onto the road, like, what's going to be the hardest part about the first two games in Charlotte?

Chase:

Yeah, it's going to be getting hard. They're obviously a really good team. It's, you know, it's gonna be a fun match up. There's two teams left for a reason, and we're gonna make sure our game is good to go, and we're gonna go down there and put our best effort forward.

So what's the plan? Keep it simple. Keep it them. 

Jaslyne:

With all the video review and all that prep, what's gonna be the focus on, from that?

Chase:

Yeah, I think it's more or less focusing on our game. It's, well, there's a lot of you know, other things that go into the game, but at the end of the day, it's kind of what we do and matters about how we are in the room, right? It's, you know, whoever the opponent is. It's you know, it's about our game.

Jaslyne:

Thank you appreciate it. Yeah, I know everyone's super excited.

Chase:

Yeah, it's gonna be awesome. 

The Calder Cup Finals kick off this Friday June 13, 2025. Games 1 and 2 will take place at Bojangles Coliseum. The series then heads to Abbotsford Centre for Games 3 and 4 on June 17 and 19, with a potential Game 5 scheduled for June 21st. If the series continues, Games 6 and 7 will be played on June 23 and 25 back in Charlotte.