Chase Balisy

History

2008-09: Chase Balisy played for the U.S. NTDP U-18 squad that competed in the NAHL.  In 42 games, he scored 8 goals and added 14 assists for 22 points.

2009-10: Balisy played for the U.S. NTDP U-18 squad that played in the USHL.  In 28 games, he scored 5 goals and picked up 6 assists for 11 points.

2010-11: Balisy skated in 42 games for Western Michigan and was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team after scoring 12 goals with 18 assists. The Broncos were one of the big turnaround stories in college hockey – finishing fourth in the CCHA, reaching the CCHA championship game, and earning an NCAA tournament berth for the first time since 1995-96. Balisy was +4 with 12 PMs.

2011-12: Balisy was the leading scorer for Western Michigan as a sophomore. He scored 13 goals with 24 assists and was plus-eight with 35 penalty minutes in 41 games. Former NHL coach Andy Murray took over for Jeff Blashill in Kalamazoo after the latter joined the Red Wings' organization but the Broncos did not miss a beat; finishing third in the CCHA regular season and winning the league's playoff title. Western Michigan lost to North Dakota in the NCAA West Regional semifinals.

 

Talent Analysis

Balisy is an intelligent, playmaking center that is really fun to watch. Two attributes that separate Balisy from many other freshmen are his ability to control the tempo of the game and the fact that he can make other players around him better. He possesses great hands and excellent puck-moving ability. He can make some of the prettiest tape-to-tape passes too. Balisy has great vision and follows plays exceedingly well. He is a very good skater that does a good job of consistently keeping his feet moving. He is also quite good in transition as well. Balisy's elusiveness and ability to move effectively through traffic makes him a difficult player to contain. As good as Balisy is offensively, he is equally good defensively. At Western Michigan this season, he proved to be an outstanding penalty killer who isn't afraid to block shots or deliver checks when necessary. He's not one to give up easily in battles for pucks either. Balisy is also very good on face-offs and supports plays really well too. Like most freshmen in college hockey, adding size and strength will be crucial to his future success.

 

Future

Balisy has returned to play his junior year at Western Michigan University and continue his overall development at the NCAA level. He's expected to help carry the Broncos' offense while playing on the team's top line and both of the specialty teams.