Tafari Chingwaru Commits to RPI
'08 Defenseman Tafari Chingwaru commits to the Engineers
Last month, RPI picked up a commitment from ’08 defenseman Tafari Chingwaru, who plays for Drayton Valley of the AJHL. Chingwaru just turned 16(!!) a little over a month ago and is in his first full season of junior hockey. He is so far away from college hockey, which makes it a bit difficult to project his development, but at a minimum it is exciting to see RPI lock up a few younger players. It is much easier for a school like RPI to get a top-notch player to campus when they commit early and build a relationship with the staff and then blow up into a top player, than it is to commit a top 19- or 20-year-old. Chingwaru has an exciting, projectible game and I am looking forward to watching him develop before arriving here.
Tafari is listed at 6’0 and 183 pounds, which is an encouraging sign that his frame is ready for college hockey even at this age. As you can see, he has been productive at every level of prep hockey that he has played, and certainly seems to be an offensive-minded defenseman. This year, he has been in and out of the lineup for Drayton Valley, but any games logged at the junior hockey level at this age is a success.
Check this video out, his puck movement skills and skating are on full display. He is also clearly willing to throw the body around and lay some massive hits. I like the way he jumps into the rush and can make a play in transition.
I can’t emphasize enough how much of a wildcard these young commitments are. RPI has committed kids this young that have turned into great recruits, but many never get to campus, either from poaching or lack of development. But this is the reality of our game now, and it is exciting to see RPI get out in front of the curve and bring young players into the fold. Chingwaru is an exciting prospect with legitimate offensive skills, who should have a couple years of junior hockey ahead of him before he arrives. I could see him arriving in the fall of 2027, after finishing 2 years in the AJHL, and moving up to a higher tier league for a year before Troy. Congratulations to Tafari and his family, we can’t wait to track your development and see you in the Cherry and White very soon!