Bassen enjoying DEL but credits his Strathmore minor hockey

Times Reporter 

 

Strathmore’s own Chad Bassen has played nine years in the DEL German Elite Hockey League, most recently signing with Wolfsburg for the upcoming season, beginning in September. Prior to competing in Europe, Bassen was in the WHL for the Regina Pats, Vancouver Giants, Medicine Hat Tigers, and Everett Silvertips from 2000 to 2004. However, he always remembers where he got his start.

“As soon as my season’s over, I come back. I built a house a couple years ago in Hillview,” said the 30-year-old left-winger. “I played my minor hockey in Strathmore. Strathmore’s been great to me, they let me grow my hockey game, and a lot of people have been helpful to me.”

With most of his family still in town, he thanks them with his hockey development: “Definitely my parents are number one. They’ve helped me along the way, they’ve pretty much given me everything I need for my hockey career to take off.”

Bassen’s uncle Bob played in the NHL as a centre from 1985 to 1990, and finished his career in the German Elite League as well. Grandpa Hank Bassen was an NHL goaltender — a backup to Terry Sawchuk on the Detroit Red Wings. Both were large influences growing up.

“I watched (Uncle Bob) a lot in the NHL, and just how hard he played, and how hard he worked,” Chad Bassen said. He also bases his game in Germany around the style of his childhood hero, speedster Pavel Bure.

“I’m one of the faster guys over there. I’m probably not the biggest or strongest for sure, but I’ve learned over the years that’s one of my assets, and I’ve got to use that and just survive over there,” Bassen said.

During his first pro season in Germany, many locked-out NHL players joined, including Doug Weight and Stephane Robidas. This was the time he feels he learned the most; not to discredit the WHL, where in his first year with the Pats, his team lost in the semi-finals of the Memorial Cup.

“They’re both amazing leagues, it’s just the difference between men and boys really — young kids, 17, 18, 19, and 20-year-olds in the Western League, and you get over (to Europe) and my first year I was playing with guys 35 to 40-years-old.”

His best seasons to date have been with Medicine Hat in the WHL back in 2003 (33 points) and with the Staubing Tigers in 2010 (30 points). In the off seasons, he strives to keep his fitness up to get bigger and stronger; it’s necessary to have a good season. 

“Once you get into the pro ranks, guys are in very good shape, especially over there in Europe. Everyone can skate. And you got to be ready, and if you’re not, someone’s going to be there to take your job,” he said. 

Bassen plans on playing as long as his body will hold up, most likely into his late thirties. Afterwards, he would love to come back home and be involved with the WHL where he got his start.