TISDALE — As 17-year-old rookies, Connor Long and Dawson Schaff have helped the Tisdale Trojans be successful this season.
Both forwards have earned big roles, although in different ways. Schaff is counted on for his offensive abilities, while Long’s penalty killing and work ethic are important for the Trojans.
“They have been super additions to our hockey team. Seventeen-year-old rookies are guys who can make or break your hockey team,” said head coach Darrell Mann, who praised this year’s 17-year-old rookie group that also includes forward Colby Vranai and goalie Bryson Garton.
Returning from the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League Christmas break, the Trojans beat the Saskatoon Contacts, 5-0, on Sunday. After the weekend, the squad had a 24-3-2-1 record and sat second in the SMAAAHL standings. Tisdale had 51 points, as of Sunday, while the Saskatoon Blazers had 52. Long and Schaff are pleased to be capping their midget careers on a strong Trojans team that hosts the Telus Cup West Regionals.
“It’s always been my goal to play AAA hockey so to be able to do it with such a great team and have a great opportunity to win Telus, it has been so fun,” Schaff said.
Mann said that 17-year-old rookies can help a team for various reasons. For one, they are veterans in midget hockey and are used to playing against bigger, stronger opponents. As well, Mann said the older rookies often have the mental toughness to handle living away from home.
Long has four goals and eight points in 29 games this season. The Trojans have, as of late, liked what the hardworking Long brings to a line that includes high scorers Cade Hayes and Trenton Curtis.
“He is an unbelievable penalty killer,” Mann said. “His work ethic is second to none.”
The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder has formed a dangerous penalty-killing duo with David Wiens.
“My favourite part about PK is playing alongside my good friend. … We go out there and give it our all,” Long said.
While Long is a rookie, he is not exactly a newcomer to the Trojans. The Chelan product suited up for five games as an affiliated player while competing for the local North East midget AA team last season.
“My time with the Trojans showed me what it takes to be in this league and what is expected,” Long said. “You can’t take any team lightly.”
In the AA ranks, Long helped the North East squad claim a provincial title.
“Winning the provincial championship with North East last year showed me what it takes to win a championship,” Long said.
Lampman’s Schaff played the last two seasons with the Estevan Midget AA team. The Trojans recruited him to head north for his final midget campaign.
“Darrell came to some of my games last year and said I would be a great fit in Tisdale and had a lot of confidence in me,” Schaff said.
This season the 5-foot-9, 165-pounder has three goals and 11 points. He is being used regularly on a line with Davis Chorney and Liam Rutten.
“We like everything he brings to us offensively … He brings a lot of smarts and intelligence to our hockey club,” said Mann, who praised Schaff’s playmaking ability.
Schaff billets with Amanda and Rob Larson as well as their son Hazen. Long lives with Connie and Kevin Wutke. Having good billet families can certainly make a difference for players.
“It is so important because they are your family for the year and if you get along well that makes the year that much more fun,” Schaff said.
Long and Schaff have certainly appreciated playing for the Trojans and in front of the Tisdale fans. Long said that he has enjoyed most going to the rink everyday to see his teammates. He said they all get along well, which helps the team have success. Schaff echoed his comments.
“I have enjoyed the community and the fan base has been incredible. Also, the coaching staff and just the group of guys I get to see every day. We have gotten so close,” Schaff said.
