Former Canuck Schaefer steps behind the bench with Eagles

Press Release

The Surrey Eagles are very pleased to announce that former NHLer Peter Schaefer will be joining the team as an assistant coach, as well as in a player development role. Schaefer joins the Eagles following the conclusion of his professional hockey career which included nine seasons in the NHL and a pair stints with the Vancouver Canucks

After retiring as a player at the end of the 2011 season, the Yellow Grass, Sask. native is looking forward to the new opportunity.

“It is exciting for me to join an organization that has been very successful on the ice, and has helped 13 players get university scholarships last season alone. I hope to use my experience to help the players continue to improve and reach their full potential both on and off the ice."

Eagles head coach and general manager Matt Erhart knows Schaefer's resume instantly improves the Eagles moving forward.

“I am excited about the addition of Peter to the coaching staff. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program and will be very beneficial in assisting the players in helping them reach their hockey goals.”

Schaefer played junior hockey with the Brandon Wheat Kings compiling 124 goals and 172 assists in just over three seasons. His pro hockey career spanned 13 years, split between the AHL and NHL with stops in Finland, Italy, and Germany where he finished his career.

In nine NHL seasons, he scored 99 goals and had 162 assists. He was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round (66th overall) in the 1995 entry draft.

He also brings international experience to the team as he was a member of the Canadian World Junior team in 1997, and played in the IIHF World Championships on two occasions.

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