WHL Cup: Nielson feeling confident with performance this season
By DANNY RODE – It’s been an interesting season so far for netminder Chase Nielson.
The 15-year-old native of Fort McLeod not only made Team Alberta to compete in the WHL Cup, which took place at the Marchant Crane Centrium, but even got an opportunity to dress for one game with the Red Deer Rebels.
A suspension to goaltender Peyton Shore left the Rebels needing a backup goaltender October 11 in Lethbridge, so they called up Nielson from the SAHA U17 Prep program.
“I got an early call, so I had to get my gear which was a bit of a drive, but it was exciting to play against my home team,” he said.
Nielson played the last two seasons with the Lethbridge Golden Hawks U15AAA squad.
“Just finally breaking the barrier was an amazing feeling,” he added when talking about his experience with the Rebels.
“Just getting to that level shows the speed of the game … it’s a step up from everything I’ve played so far. I know I have to adjust to make sure I get used to that level next year when I hope and I can be backup for the Rebels and hopefully one of the best goaltenders in the league in the future.”
Nielson was selected by the Rebels in the third-round (56th overall) in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft and attended the WHL squad’s training camp, which benefited him heading into his regular season.
“It showed me to be the best I will need to be. It’s a big adjustment from U15 to where I’m at now … I just need to keep building up to that. But I know I can make the big saves.”
Nielson got an opportunity to work with Chase Wutzke and Shore at camp, although more so with Shore.
“Wutzke wasn’t here that much, but Peyton and I talked a lot and became friends.”
Nielson has played in two games so far this season with SAHA, posting a 2.67 goals-against-average and .929 save-percentage.
“I feel we can come together as a team and can dominate the league,” he said.
Nielson has the potential to be solid netminder, if his U15 stats are any indication.
Last year he posted a 3.67 GAA and a .923 save-percentage, as he faced 46 shots a game on average.
“We struggled last season. My stats didn’t look good, but I faced a lot of shots and that extra training made me better overall.
“This year I hope to be one of the better U17 Prep goalies and next year be in Red Deer.”
Nielson got his first opportunity in the WHL Cup Thursday, picking up a shutout although he faced just seven shots. He turned aside 14 shots Sunday in backstopping Alberta to a 4-2 bronze medal game win over Saskatchewan.
“Hats off to him, those games are tougher to play in when not facing a lot of shots. He made the saves when he needed to. He was solid for us,” said Team Alberta head coach Cody Reynolds, who is the head coach of the RDP Kings.
Reynolds like what he sees from Nielson.
“He’s a character kid, you can tell he’s focused and knows what he needs to do. He’s prepared and that translates to his game play.”
