Photo Credit: Kelsey Lee-Violet Turtle Photography

Chris Van Os-Shaw plays a physical game that he models after Jonathan Toews. That game that he plays meshes well with what Eric Lang’s group can do when it is humming, as it has done a lot during the past three seasons, earning three Atlantic Hockey Championships, two Jack Riley Trophies, and two NCAA Tournament bids. All of those teams have had players on them with the ability to score, and contribute defensively. Van Os-Shaw does all of those things. Despite knowing that AIC is nicknamed the Yellowjackets and that they are on the east coast, Chris did not know a lot about the school despite being recruited a little bit by them coming from the AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints. He comes to AIC with two seasons of eligibility left, and brings a lot to the group. On departing from Minnesota State, he said simply, “at the end of the day I needed a fresh start.” Chris was nothing but complimentary of the staff of Minnesota State in helping him out once he went into the transfer portal. Of joining AIC, he said that it ” is the right fit for me.” Furthermore, he added that, “right off the hop it seemed like they cared the most.” He praised the effort of Assistant Coach Cory Schneider in leading his recruitment this spring. He complimented the recruiting process, and now gets to play with former and future teammate Zach Galambos, and one of his friends, Justin Young.

Head Coach Eric Lang offered his thoughts, adding ” We recruited Chris out of junior. He has every tool to be a great player. His elevated role in our program is exactly what he was looking for in our team. He could score 15 to 20 goals for us. We are lucky to have him. Outside of his terrific hockey skills we are getting an elite human.”

Academically, Van Os-Shaw will continue to pursue his degree in business. He wants to become a salesperson when his hockey career is complete. He enjoys something common among many in this game, building relationships with others. During the pandemic-marred season, he played videogames like Fortnite to keep in touch with his friends.

On playing the game in general, the Canadian forward said, “there’s nothing like it.. especially coming from Canada, seeing how passionate people are about their team is kind of cool.” Now, he gets to be a part of a program on the rise in its national profile, while taking on a bigger role than he would have at Minnesota State. The ever-improving player looks to slot in to the top six spot vacated by Tobias Fladeby. Both have strong scoring sense, and both know how to bring some physical aspects to their game.

This offseason, Van Os-Shaw will finish his Covid 19 vaccination course, continue working on his game on his own, and get ready to head to Springfield in August. In him, AIC is getting a good human, and a strong player in all three zones with a top flight shot. With AIC, Van Os-Shaw is getting all he wants at the end of the day, a “fresh start.”

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