PHPA Player Rep Spotlight: Chase Priskie (Rochester Americans)

Chase Priskie is the PHPA Player Representative for the Rochester Americans of the AHL. Priskie played four years at Quinnipiac University where he was named Captain in his Junior season.  He was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 6^th round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, and since turning pro in 2019, has played over 160 AHL games split between Charlotte, Springfield, Syracuse, and Rochester. Priskie made his NHL debut on November 4^th, 2021, with his hometown Florida Panthers. 

How did you become a PHPA Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

My first year in Charlotte we needed Alternate Reps to represent the club. I was always an advocate at Quinnipiac University, so I thought it would be a similar role. A lot of the roles and responsibilities now are helping younger players understand the CBA and letting my teammates know what rights they have in all situations from housing letters to travel home at the end of the season. 

What did you enjoy most about your time at Quinnipiac University?

Besides our achievements on the ice, I enjoyed the alumni connections I was able to make during my time there. The hockey team at Quinnipiac offered a mentor program with recent graduates of the program who were available for guidance. I worked on building relationships with a lot of the mentors in the program to learn more about what jobs they hold now and the paths that took them there.

What do you think led to you being selected in the 2016 NHL draft after being passed over the two years prior?

I believe what led to me being drafted in 2016 after being passed over in two consecutive drafts was just the love of the game. I continuously worked hard because of how much I love hockey, not an external factor like getting drafted. So, when I was passed over, I didn’t think twice about it because I had the self-belief that I could play professional hockey. Playing hockey made me happy and that’s all the motivation I needed to continue playing.

Who is the most influential person in your life and hockey career?

My mom is definitely the most influential person in my life and hockey career. She worked 3 jobs while I was in middle/high school to make sure I could follow my dreams. The numerous sacrifices she made to allow me to live out my dreams is a debt that I’ll never be able to repay.

What was it like playing for Syracuse during the 2020-21 season and sharing a team with players from a rival organization?

It was an interesting experiment sharing an affiliate during the 2020-21 Covid season. I think it was really easy as a group to gel and develop chemistry because of the long days we would spend at the rink during the week. Only playing games on the weekend allowed us to practice longer during the weekdays, which I think grew the bond between the players in both organizations.

In 2021, you became the first Florida born player to suit up for the Panthers and your accomplishment was celebrated on several billboards throughout Sunrise.  What did that mean to you?

Truly an accomplishment that I still can’t put into words. Growing up in Florida and being a season ticket holder for the Panthers, you never truly believe you can play at the highest level because no one had ever done it before. I had spent thousands of hours in that arena growing up with my late father who had worked for the team as a cook. It was even more special to make my debut at home in the arena I grew up in.

If you weren’t a professional hockey player, what would you be doing as a career?

I think I would be working in finance in some capacity. My favorite classes at Quinnipiac were the classes that we would trade. Every week you had to execute different trading strategies and at the end of the 16-week course you were given a grade based off what position you ranked in the class.

It is evident from your social media that you enjoy travelling. Where is your favourite destination to visit and why?

My favorite place to travel to (so far) would have to be the Cayman Islands. Besides the beaches to relax on, taking the boat out to Stingray City and swimming with wild stingrays is always a cool experience. Yoshi Sushi restaurant is always on the list of places to eat while we are on vacation there.

You have done lots of community work in Rochester, what was your favourite community event you attended and why?

My favorite community event in Rochester was prepping meals at the Ronald McDonald Charity House. It was right before the holidays and it was really nice to be able to help families that don’t have the time or resources to prepare a home cooked meal.

If you’re cooking, what are you making?

I usually try to stick to the basics. Grilled steak with white rice and a vegetable medley.

You were Captain at Quinnipiac for 2 seasons.  Describe your leadership style.

My whole leadership approach was based off being focused on the task at hand. I wanted my teammates to be in the moment whether it was in the classroom or on the ice. When we were at the rink it was time to focus on hockey, and hockey alone. When we were in the classroom it was time to do that work. I think it’s much easier to accomplish goals when you are organized on the task at hand.

You’re a strong advocate for Beep.  What’s your connection to the brand and how are they changing the future of mobility?

I truly believe that Beep has practical use for the near future. It’s an EV autonomous busing company that is revolutionizing the way public transportation is viewed. I think it has utility at every university, hospital, and state park across the country.

What are some of your interests outside of hockey?

During Covid I became really interested in real estate and after researching during that time I bought my first 3 properties.