THUNDER BAY – The Lakehead Thunderewolves have tentatively agreed to bring former major junior rearguard Chase Stewart back to Northwestern Ontario.
Stewart, who spent the past two seasons with Saint John and Rimouski of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, has promised to join the team if he’s unsuccessful landing a contract with the Ottawa Senators organization next month.
The Marathon, Ont.-born Stewart will choose the professional route if he happens to land a spot with either the Senators or their American Hockey League farm team in Belleville.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, the 21-year-old Stewart would bring plenty of size and leadership to the Thunderwolves.
He had five goals and 29 points in 54 games with Rimouski in 2017-18.
He also spent two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit and parts of two seasons with the Thunder Bay North Stars.
“I’m excited to make the commitment to Lakehead,” Stewart said in a release issued on Tuesday by the team.
“I would be proud to be represent the Thunderwolves."
LU coach Andrew Wilkins said Stewart would be a huge addition to the team.
“Chase is a defenceman with a physical presence and well-rounded game. We wish him all the best with the Senators, but if it doesn’t work out he will be a welcome addition to our blue line."
