The 26-year-old, who can play center or on the right wing, iced with Guildford Flames last season, putting up 34 points (15G, 23A) in 68 games – with two of those goals coming against the Stars.
Before arriving in the UK in the summer of 2021, Chris had made his professional debut with Wichita Thunder in the East Coast Hockey League, back at the end of the 2019-2020 campaign, as he iced in a single game and made another lone appearance for the Thunder in the following season.
The 5-foot-10-inch attacker spent four years playing college hockey between 2016 and 2020, beginning his academic career with Michigan Tech in 2016 and helped them to a NCAA (WCHA) Championship.
Gerrie then played three consecutive seasons with Mount Royal University Cougars in USports and ended with a total of 59 points (23G, 36A) in 109 collegiate matches.
Weighing in at 174lbs, the Canadian has also won silverware during his junior career, as back in 2012-2013, Chris was a Alberta Midget Hockey League winner with Red Deer Chiefs U19 and in the same year, that team also won a Telus Cup Gold Medal.
Then, just one year later, Gerrie was named to the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s All-Rookie Team (South) and selected as the league’s Rookie of the Year, before also being highlighted as the ‘Top Rookie’ in all of the Canadian Junior Hockey Leagues.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Chris is a former teammate of ex-Stars, Spencer Dorowicz (Olds Grizzlys, 2013-2014 and Wichita Thunder 2019-2021), Colton Kroeker (Mount Royal University, 2018-2019), Fabrizio Ricci (Wichita Thunder, 2019-2020), Charlie Combs and Anthony Beauregard (Wichita Thunder, 2020-2021).
After completing the signing of Gerrie, Stars General Manager and Head Coach, Jeff Mason delightedly said: “Chris is someone who was very exciting to me.
“He was a player that had a very solid first season in the Elite League and he has the ability to do even more.
“He is very driven and he was looking for opportunities and felt like Dundee was a good fit for him, as did I and we are both looking for the same thing, which is for him to be a large part of our forward group.
“There will certainly be the opportunity for him to play those quality minutes and to have a large impact on our team offensively.”
Jeff continued: “So, I am extremely excited to have him join us and I think he is one of the players that I have seen over the years that is primed to take an even bigger step forward in year two, having experienced the league and being familiar with certain things.
“Experience in the league is something that is very important and our model of bringing in younger import players, who are looking for an opportunity, does not always lend itself to that.
“So, when you have a younger player, who has played in this league and is driven to take steps forward with their development and in their career then, it is really a no brainer.
“I have always found that guys take a good jump forward in their second year in the league, just from being familiar with it and how it is formatted and how other teams play.
“Getting someone with that experience is important and certainly his prior knowledge from his time with Guildford will come in handy.”
Once he finalised his move north of the border, an ecstatic Chris said: “I am beyond excited to be joining the Stars.
“It seems like the club is moving in the right direction and Jeff is bringing a ton of knowledge from Belfast.”
Chris will also be sponsored by the University of Dundee and study at the city’s prestigious institution over the course of next season.
Speaking about the additional opportunity, he added: “I also made the move because of the MBA package Dundee offers.
“I have heard Dundee’s University is very good, so continuing my education is very exciting for my future.”
After spending last season in Guildford, Gerrie discovered the unique experiences the Elite League has to offer.
“I enjoyed the fan support and experience the league brings”, said Chris.
He continued: “Traveling around the United Kingdom, seeing different cities is very unique and the fans are very passionate about each club, which makes it fun for the players coming into play or playing at home.”
The forward then discussed the high-scoring battles between Guildford and Dundee last season, before explaining the type of game he hopes to bring to the DIA.
He commented: “There definitely was some high scoring games.
“I think at the start of the year, the road trips were definitely something to get used to and both teams had some highly offensive players, so I think the high scoring games, came with the territory.
“In regards to myself, I will bring a 200-foot game to Dundee, I want to be a player that can be effective both on the PK and the PP.
“Last year I had the privilege to get experience in both areas and really mature my game.
“Moving forward into next year, I definitely want to take a step forward with my offensive side, while also being reliable in the defensive zone.
I will bring positive energy inside the locker room and to the fans of Dundee.
“We all have to come together, to continue to move this club forward, with the hope of bringing a championship to Dundee.”
Gerrie also revealed how he contacted a number of his former teammates who have played in Dundee to get their views on their time in the City of Discovery.
“I did reach out to several ex-Stars, and all of them had nothing but great things to say about the city, team, fans and University.
“It was definitely a club they recommended, so I am grateful for the opportunity.”
Finally, Chris shared a message for all the Stars fans ahead of the new season and he said: “I just want to let them know how excited I am to get to Dundee and meet everyone.
“The team is moving in a great direction, which is something to be very excited about.
“I am fully committed to getting better this summer, so I can bring the best version of myself to Dundee come September.”
In his career so far, Gerrie has featured in 465 matches, scored 152 goals, assisted 212 times, and has collected 159 penalty minutes, whilst also making 51 playoff appearances and collecting 22 points (10G, 12A) and 14 penalty minutes.
Chris is our 3rd signing of the summer and joins Craig Garrigan and Philippe Sanche on the roster for next season.
You can get your season tickets to watch these three players and the rest of the team in the 2022-2023 campaign by contacting: [email protected]
Gerrie will wear the #88 Stars jersey next season.
To view Chris’ career stats on Elite Prospects click HERE .
