The Cents had one of their most successful seasons in 30 years, and with that comes the unfortunate reality that some of the best players to don a Centennials crest will be leaving for the next step in their hockey careers in the NCAA. In the coming weeks we will give one final salute to the young men who served the Cents in the 2018/19 season.
Brendan Schneider
Brendan Schneider played two years with the Merritt Centennials, and served as Assistant Captain in his final year. The ball of energy that is Schneider always set the tone on the ice and in the gym. Named Rookie of the Year in his first season with 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points he was a piece the coaching staff knew they could build around.
Before coming to the Centennials, the Wellesley Ontario native spent time with Albany Academy of the US High School league. There he proved to be the whole package averaging 1.09 points per game for 75 points over two seasons and 69 games played. It was in Albany that he earned his scholarship to Mercyhurst University, and it didn’t take long for the coaching staff to take notice of the undersized forward who played with an edge.
Head Coach Joe Martin recalls that he couldn’t believe that no one else was knocking the doors down to get Schneider.
“What I remember most is the honest 200ft game, the way he worked his butt off, and it all came with a bit of offensive upside as well.”
Schneider is one of those unique players that always had the switch set to ON as proven by his Energy Player of the Year Award in his first season of play (awarded to the player most often named the Energy Player of the Game). He never let the accolades get to his head as he continued to bring his speed, grit, and tenacity to every shift over his second season. A guy that can be slotted up and down the lineup, in all situations, and never asked questions – Schneider truly embodied the spirit of the Merritt Centennials. This past season he put up 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points while being an iron man and playing in all 58 games in the regular season. He also added 3 assists in 5 playoff games.
Coach Martin says that Schneider is a great example of how the game should be played.
“Schneider was always a team first guy. He didn’t need to be the star of the show, but he did everything to make sure his team mates were in a better position, and the team was performing at its best.”
Next year Schneider will be heading off to Mercyhurst University, and Martin says they’re getting someone who will never quit.
“Mercyhurst is getting a player that likes to get in on the forecheck, get under the opponents skin, and make life difficult for the opposing team. I imagine he will fit into that team with his great attributes just like he did with the Centennials.”
At Mercyhurst Schneider will be reunited with former Cent and fellow Ontarian Ashton Stockie. The Cents wish Schneider and his family all the best as he moves forward with his career, and thank them for their contributions to the Centennials organization.
