Surrey, BC – The Surrey Eagles are proud to congratulate captain and 2000 born forward Hudson Schandor on his commitment to the University of Connecticut for the 2020-21 season! Schandor’s NCAA Division 1 commitment is the 2nd such commitment of the year, following teammate Brandon Santa Juana, who also committed to the University of Connecticut in late October.
The leader of this young Eagles team, Schandor was acquired on July 22, 2019 from the Bonnyville Pontiacs. The former Salmon Arm Silverback was immediately named an assistant captain upon his arrival, and has been one of the leaders of the team throughout the year. After former captain Cody Schiavon was traded to the Trail Smoke Eaters during this season, Schandor was unanimously named captain by his teammates and has led ever since.
Hudson’s leadership has extended onto the ice, where he’s posted 11 goals, 20 assists for 31 points in just 34 games played. Schandor’s already tied his BCHL career high for points this season, in 7 fewer games (31 points in 41 games last season). For his career, split between the Silverbacks and the Eagles, Schandor has 36 goals, 48 assists, 84 points, and 77 penalty minutes in 125 BCHL games.
Hudson was elated when he was able to talk about the news. “I’m so happy and excited to be a part of such a prestigious program. I can’t wait to carry this momentum into our next game, and stay hot with the Eagles.” Schandor explained the process from his perspective, “I was getting a few hits from a couple of different schools heading into the season. However, it was clear right from the start of pre-season that UCONN had stepped forward… I got a really good opportunity to check out the campus, all the guys, and the coaches. All the people I talked too spoke about the feel you get when you step onto [UCONN’s] campus, and I was lucky to enough to have that feeling right away.”
For Eagles head coach Cam Keith, there’s a sense of pride seeing Schandor moving to the next level. “If anyone deserves it in this group, it’s Hudson Schandor. He’s a kid that leads by example, he’s a leader in the room and plays the game the right way. I think his style of game will translate the right way to division 1 hockey.” Schandor’s great play is enhanced by his incredible leadership qualities, and Cam explained this in depth. “It’s how he constantly communicates with the younger guys, he’s always trying to find ways to make players around him better. Sometimes that’s [leading] by example, sometimes it’s by the way he verbalizes things on the ice. He’s constantly talking and trying to pick guys up, and that’s huge for our young group.”
Schandor and the Eagles continue their 2019-20 BCHL season with their biggest game to date on Saturday, December 14th against the Langley Rivermen. That game will be played in the George Preston Recreation Centre, with puck drop set for 7:15pm. The Eagles next home game is our Teddy Bear Toss night on December 20th against the Prince George Spruce Kings.
Congratulations Hudson! You can listen to Hudson Schandor’s full interview on our website.
