California Rubber

California’s and Nevada’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey

San Jose roller hockey star Edwards finding success on floor, in eSports gaming world

 

From playing professional roller hockey in Europe to becoming a professional gamer, competition is nothing new to Chase Edwards.

It has always been in his blood.

Growing up in San Jose, Edwards picked up hockey at the age of two thanks to the influence of his dad and grandfather. Little did he know the type of playing career he would eventually have.

Edwards played for a number of teams throughout his career. From recreational to professional hockey, he has always played at the highest level.

Quickly picking up the game, Edwards joined the San Jose Jr. Sharks AAA ice hockey program. When he was 15, he started playing roller hockey, where he soon found himself playing in elite company.

“Chase has always been very well known around the rink,” said former teammate Jordan Morgado. “He has a great skill set and that comes from the level of hockey he plays at. Chase wants to be the best.”

During his time off from hockey, he enjoys playing video games, a hobby he started at 11 years old. He has since become incredibly competitive.

“Watching him play, he’s always locked in,” said current teammate Austin Trenner. “He doesn’t like to lose. It’s a really big trait he goes by.”

In 2018, Edwards was selected to represent his country, playing for the Team USA junior men’s hockey team at the Inline Hockey World Championships in Asiago and Roana, Italy, where he won gold over the host country.

“It was the best experience of my life,” said Edwards.

Following his gold medal win, Edwards continued his career in Europe, playing professional roller hockey with the Tigres de Garges in the Ligue Elite until 2019. He continues playing at a professional level back at home, playing for Rink Rat Pro and Pro Nitrous.

Now, though, he finds himself stepping away from hockey as he focuses solely on his new career as an eSports professional gamer.

Known as “Zietsy” in the gaming community, Edwards continues to push himself to be the best, practicing between 10-12 hours a day with his team Terraform playing Call of Duty. He thanks hockey for the similarities it has had with video games.

“You have to think in a fast pace in gaming like you do in hockey. The game is very fast,” said Edwards. “Mentally, it is very tough, it may not be as physical as hockey, but mentally it’s very straining.”

Edwards will compete in the Stage Five Finals July 23-25 for Call of Duty before heading off to compete in the biggest video game championship in the world. Moving to Dallas, Edwards will compete with Terraform Gaming for the first time in the Call of Duty World Championships August 16-18 with eyes on a $4.6-million prize pool.

Edwards is no stranger to big stages and is looking forward to kicking off his new career.

“I’m excited for it. I’ve never experienced an atmosphere like that, it’ll be a new start for me, especially how it can define my career going forward,” said Edwards.

— Joseph Furtado

(July 7, 2021)

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