By Ryleigh Mulvihill
Jordan Kawaguchi had two paths, and he chose the BCHL and the Chilliwack Chiefs.
The Abbotsford product was faced with a choice. Kawaguchi, although drafted by the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL, chose to go to Chilliwack. Close to home, Kawaguchi aspired to play college-level hockey.
“From a young age, you’re very pressured to go the major junior route and it makes it a hard decision. You never know what you should do at only 15/16 years old. It just depends on what you feel is right for you.”
The “Guch” eventually became the captain and a centrepiece of the Chiefs. Scoring 242 points, he is tied as the all-time leader with Doug Ast. When chatting about the route he chose to take, he confidently said, “Obviously, I think I made the right one.”
While in Chilliwack, he not only increased his offensive production from his rookie season but also learned what it took to be a college athlete in the process.
“The BCHL does things the right way,” he boasts. “They help you as much as they can to prepare you for that student-athlete lifestyle that you’re going to move into. The league does a great job, and obviously, I am biased and think Chilliwack does it the best.”
Kawaguchi had a successful college career at the University of North Dakota. He had 126 points across four seasons and was named a ‘Hat Trick Finalist’ for the coveted Hobey Baker Award in 2020. He was also part of the leadership team at one of the top hockey programs in the NCAA.
While there, he saw a dream come true. He signed an NHL entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars. Through Facetime with his parents, he signed the contract while his mom cried with happiness. Kawaguchi says his family played a huge role in his love and passion for the sport. Even through COVID 19 restrictions, he was grateful to share the moment with those who helped get him there.
He finished out his college career before heading to Dallas’ AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars. Wearing the ‘C’ on his jersey once again, his final game was the longest in NCAA history. A five-overtime thriller in the playoffs ended in a loss for Kawaguchi’s Fighting Hawks. Unfortunately, the heartbreaking end to his college career wasn’t going to be the last heartbreak he faced.
Now in the process of moving on from professional hockey, he is working in North Dakota as a financial representative. When looking back on his time with the Chiefs and describing his experience as a captain, Kawaguchi gushed about how ‘humbled’ he felt. Although the record books speak for themselves, he is proud of his four seasons in Chilliwack off the ice too.
“To leave an impression, and a positive impact on the kids and the community, is all you should really be shooting for as someone in the position I was,” he says.
Kawaguchi is still close with the Chiefs organization, but not just on the level of hockey.
Barry Douglas, governor and vice president of business operations, owns a dog from a litter of puppies from Kawaguchi’s parents. The goldendoodle, Scarlett, is often seen hanging out in the office.
Hockey has become family, and Scarlett is a lasting piece of the great relationship Kawaguchi has formed with the Chilliwack Chiefs. Jordan Kawaguchi, along with Doug Ast, will be dropping the puck on Dec. 29 (tonight) against the Langley Rivermen. Tickets are available in the office or online anytime.
