The Surrey Eagles are pleased to announce that the recently-acquired Hudson Schandor has been named an alternate captain for the upcoming 2019-20 season. Schandor, a veteran of 91 BCHL games, was acquired by the Eagles on Monday afternoon from the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in exchange for Matthew McKim. He spent the previous two seasons with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Schandor joins a leadership group that will be guided by returning defenceman and Yale commit Cody Schiavon, who was named captain in mid-June.
“It’s a pretty unreal feeling,” Schandor said in an interview with SurreyEagles.ca. “I can’t wait to be a leader on this team. Hopefully we can help the young guys and make it easier for them to come to the league and be productive right away.”
The Eagles aren’t expected to have many returning players from the 2018-19 season, so Schandor’s BCHL experience will be a major asset early on in the season. Dealing with a young, developing team is something that he has experience with, and he’s up for the challenge.
“On Salmon Arm, we had a really young team last year,” Schandor explained. “I like to think I have a bit of experience dealing with younger guys. They usually love to play offence, so it’s our job to make sure we stay responsible at both ends. Being an older guy on a younger team, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Although this will be his first time wearing a letter at the BCHL level, Schandor has always seen himself as a leader in the dressing room. More than just a vocal leader, he also likes to lead by example on the ice with his work ethic and responsibility with the puck.
“I’ve always tried to be a vocal leader on the bench, always try to do my part around the room,” Schandor detailed. “On the ice as well, whether it’s helping a younger guy out or sometimes even one of the older guys. I’ve been trying to be a leader and I think it’s worked out pretty well so far.”
For the North Vancouver-native, the trade to Surrey was something of a homecoming. After spending two years in Salmon Arm, it will be much easier for Schandor’s family to come out and watch his games. That’s something that he is very excited about, and is an added bonus to being acquired by the Eagles.
“It’s definitely a cherry on top. I’m going to have lots of friends and family out at the games. I can’t wait to get started. It’s been a hectic couple of weeks, but I’m super glad I landed in Surrey.”
