WolfPack Hockey signs recruit from Storm

SPORTS — The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack hockey team has secured the services of defenseman Spencer Schoech.  The native of Dublin, California has just completed his junior eligibility with the Kamloops Storm of the Kootenay International Jr. Hockey League, who went to the KIJHL final.

The WolfPack have a recruiting arrangement with the Storm. The two teams have worked closely in the past in the area of providing Storm graduates a place to play while they finish their education.

That relationship has continued as the WolfPack and head coach Don Schulz announced the acquisition of Schoech.

“I am an offensive defenseman,” Schoech said about his strengths. “ I try to score as a defenseman moving the puck quickly. Playing the power play is my strength.”

Schoech played 48 games this past season with the Storm, notching 13 goals and 41 assists (87 penalty minutes) in 48 games. He had six goals and 21 assists (86 penalty minutes) with the Storm in 2012-13 after starting the year in the B.C. Hockey League with the Prince George Spruce Kings (20 games with no points and six penalty minutes).

“He was one of our assistant captains and a leader both on and off the ice,” stated Storm owner and general manager Barry Dewar.

“I think coaching was the main factor in us doing so well,” the 6 ft. Schoech said about the Storm’s success in 2013-14. “Ed Patterson did a great job with the guys. He brought in a lot veterans. We had a great team and it was sad that we didn’t win it all.”

Schoech said the fact they won their division and went to the KIJHL final will help his game in the future.

“I think it adds experience. When you are playing in the championship you have to make sure your passes are accurate and your intensity has to be up. You understand what level you have to get to emotionally, mentally and physically to win. I think it’s helped me to become a better player.”

He is a proven winner as his minor hockey team (Tri-Valley Blue Devils. He later played for the San Jose Jr Sharks) won the California State championship in 20122-12.

“I have lived here for the last couple of years,” Schoech said in reference to Kamloops. “I really like Kamloops. I have made a lot of friends and heard a lot of great things about TRU. I am pleased I can continue my hockey career and go to school here.”

Schoech is undecided about his academic future but admits he is thinking about going into Business.

He sees going to school at TRU as just another step in the evolution of his life — not only as a student but as an athlete. “The Junior career is over so now it’s onto collegiate hockey. This is another chapter in my life. I am excited to come to get it started.

“I have only seen one BCIHL (B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League) game and it was this season,” he said. “ It is good hockey and I think I will fit in just fine. It might be a little faster and stronger but I will be ready.”

As far as balancing school and hockey with academics now taking center stage, Schoech said, “It will be a bit of an adjustment. I took a couple of on line courses (from Las Positas College) this past year. It won’t be too difficult. It will be tough at first but university has to been my main priority. If you don’t make the grade: you don’t play hockey.”

Schoech has a previous relationship with WolfPack players Tyler Jackson and Ryan Skinner (both from Kamloops) and Stephen Pantazopoulos from Kelowna.

Said WolfPack head coach Don Schulz: “Spencer is a very mobile,’Steady Eddy” type D that moves the puck well. Conversations with his past and present team-mates and with him personally made his character very evident. He’ll be great fit in our dressing room and will add depth to our D-corps.

“To be successful as a defenseman in our league, mobility and quick decision making our key. I really like his first pass efficiency. Spencer will add some international flavor to the room and he’s another welcome addition to our team.”

The WolfPack signed former Kamloops Blazer Ryan Hanes earlier this off-season. TRU finished fourth in the BCIHL in 2013-14 and were knocked out of the playoffs by eventual league champion Selkirk College.