Amarillo defenseman McCardle makes NCAA commitment

The Amarillo Bulls of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) have announced that defenseman Chace McCardle has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Trine University. 

McCardle, 20, spent the last half of the season with Bulls during the 2019-20 season after coming over in a trade from the Odessa Jackalopes. The 6’2/206 lbs. native of Southgate, Michigan, didn’t waste any time in making an impact with the Bulls. The hard-hitting defenseman had six assists in just twelve games with Amarillo. In addition, the Michigan native also racked up 34 penalty minutes and was a +3.

While with the Jackalopes, McCardle posted seven points in 36 games.

“We are very proud of Chace for committing to be a student-athlete at Trine University,” said Head Coach Rocky Russo. “Chace worked extremely hard on his academics to make this a possibility for him. He was a tremendous addition to our program when we traded from him. He not only was a significant presence on our blue line, but he was a leader that made a big difference in the locker room and the gym. I am quite certain that Chace will be an outstanding addition to the Trine University hockey team, as well as, the academic community.”

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity Trine University is giving to further my career at the next level,” McCardle said. “It is a terrific program and I am confident that it is a great next home for me. I’d like to thank my family as well as the Amarillo Bulls coaching staff for all of the help I received to get me to this point. I would also like to thank my teammates and all of my previous coaches that have helped make me the man I am today.”

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list