Chris Eade was a first-round OHL draft pick of the North Bay Centennials and later selected 115th overall (4th round) by the Florida Panthers in the NHL Draft. He attended the Canadian World Junior Summer Camp and played in preseason games with both the Panthers and the Montreal Canadiens. Chris went on to play for the OHL Champion Erie Otters, earning Best Defensemen and Most Dedicated Player honors. His professional career included time in the AHL, ECHL, UHL, CHL, and in Germany before returning to play for the University of Western Ontario, where he graduated with Honours, won an OUA Championship, was named a First Team All-Star, and served as team captain.
Growing up, I developed my passion for hockey while learning to skate on Buckshot Lake, which I still believe has the best ice in Ontario. My love for the game continued to grow as I progressed through minor hockey in Oshawa, leading up to my OHL draft year, where I was selected in the first round by the North Bay Centennials.
I had the opportunity to attend the Canadian World Junior Summer Camp, and although I was ultimately cut, the experience fueled my determination. I was later drafted to the NHL by the Florida Panthers, attending their training camps and playing in preseason games with both the Panthers and the Montreal Canadiens. Those experiences—competing alongside future Hall of Famers, losing a few teeth, and witnessing firsthand the dedication required to play in the NHL—were invaluable.
After being sent down to junior, I was traded to Erie, PA, where I played for the OHL Champion Erie Otters. That season, I was honored to receive Best Defensemen and Most Dedicated Player awards. My professional career took me through the AHL, ECHL, UHL, CHL, and a couple of years playing in Germany before returning to Canada to play at the University of Western Ontario. During my four-year tenure, I graduated with Honours, won an OUA Championship, was named a First Team All-Star, and was voted team captain by my teammates.
Now, I am excited to help the next generation of players develop as good teammates, who work hard, have fun, and push each other to succeed—both on and off the ice