Kade Cochlan will play for the University of Delaware in the American Collegiate Hockey Association in the fall.
Cochlan played 119 career regular season and 20 Teck Cup playoff games in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League with the Golden Rockets and Columbia Valley Rockies, collecting 71 regular season points and adding seven in the playoffs. Last season he had 27 points in 40 games, including seven in 12 games with the Rockies after being traded at the deadline.
Cochlan improved his puck control/possession as well as his decision-making.
“The players I was playing with on the Rockets and Rockies were a big help,” says Cochlan. “My time with the Rockies improved my game a lot as coach Taylor was great and always pushed you to make sure you were the best version of yourself on and off the ice. The players I was on the ice with elevated my game. I learned to make decisions faster and had more patience to not force plays.”
“Kade was an exceptional member of not only our hockey team, but an upstanding community member in his time playing for the Rockies,” says head coach-general manager Taylor Sincennes, who acquired Cochlan. “From the time he stepped into our locker room, he was a leader to our young group and did a very good job integrating into a new situation late in his junior career. He immediately became someone for the younger guys to lean on and learn from. He showed a very high work ethic and was very energetic and brought passion into our program that was needed.”
“Cochlan is a great player with an amazing work ethic and plays the game the right way,” said Rockets Head Coach-GM Jed Houseman. “He’s physical, tenacious, is a leader, and an all-around team guy. The University of Delaware got a good one in Kade.”
Cochlan says he’s looking forward to attending the University of Delaware.
“The ACHA is a great league that is improving year by year. I believe the KIJHL was a great help in improving my game and development. I am very thankful for this opportunity and cannot wait to get started.”
