Friday, August 20, 2010

Schneider Returns to USHL in Coaching Role

Press Release

The Lincoln Stars announced that former Stars defenseman Andy Schneider has been named to the team's coaching staff.

"Andy's playing career speaks for itself," said Lincoln Stars Head Coach Chad Johnson. "He's played at a very high level, and was a step away from the NHL. But the thing that was most intriguing and attractive to us was that he's been a leader everywhere he's been. Starting here in Lincoln, and continuing through his collegiate career at UND, he's been voted captain by his teammates, which says a lot about his character and team approach to the game. He's also played for several highly-respected coaches and we're counting on him to pass on his experiences and winning attitude to our players."

Schneider spent three seasons in the USHL (1998-2001) playing for the Stars and served as team captain during both Anderson Cup championship seasons in 1999-2000 and 2000-01. He was named All-USHL Second Team in 2000-01 after posting 36 points (12g, 24a) in 54 regular season games. A two-time USHL All-Star Game selection (2000 and 2001), Schneider amassed 57 points (19g, 38a) and 244 penalty minutes over 109 career games in the League. He also contributed 20 points (9g, 11a) and 46 penalty minutes in 24 USHL Clark Cup Playoff games.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back to Lincoln and to the Stars organization," said Schneider. "I have a lot of great memories from playing there, so when Chad called to discuss the coaching position, it was a pretty easy decision for me. I'm excited to be starting my coaching career in Lincoln, and can't wait to meet the guys and get things started."

Following his third season in the USHL, Schneider was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round (156th overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. The Grand Forks, North Dakota native then returned to his hometown to play collegiately at the University of North Dakota. He scored 41 points (11g, 30a) in 43 games during his sophomore season which ranked fourth in scoring on the team and was sixth nationally among defensemen in points per game. Schneider was team captain in his junior season and one of the club's assistant captains in his senior season. Over 157 games in his collegiate career, he tallied 77 points (18g, 59a) and 227 penalty minutes.

Schneider played four seasons professionally, including 150 games in the American Hockey League. Last season, the defenseman played in Europe, competing in Germany's highest professional league.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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