Maine Hockey Journal

Schneider’s scores goal while trying to reach his goal

Anaheim, CA – Andy Schneider scored midway into the third period, but it wasn’t enough as the San Jose Sharks prevailed, 2-1 on Saturday night in first of two games taking part among the rookies and prospects of both teams.

Schneider, on a tryout with the Ducks, is still trying to recover from missing all of last with a wrist injury. He recently signed a late off-season deal with the Texas Wildcatters of the ECHL, but for him, it’s still a goal of getting back into a rhythm with the hopes of one day playing in the NHL.

“I’m excited just to get back and I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. The dream is to play in the NHL someday and Texas is a great place to start back on that dream.”

Schneider, 26, native of Grand Forks, ND, played four years with the North Dakota Fighting Sioux and was a fifth-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2001. In 2005-06, he played 50 games in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, scoring three goals, 13 assists for 16 points and 54 penalty minutes.

“Playing in big games, you learn how to handle tough situations and overcome adversity,” Schneider said about his time at UND and in the AHL, “You learn about yourself as a player and become more confident.”

Schneider is trying to resurrect his career after he’s suffered a series of injuries to his wrist throughout his career. In 2006, it came to a point when he needed season ending surgery in order to correct the issues with his wrist. Despite the injury, he fits the mold for the type of players the Ducks like have on defense such as Chris Pronger, and prospects Brendan Mikkelson, Brett Festering and Mark Mitera. At 6-1, 215-pounds he’s a big player and more importantly a physical player that isn’t afraid to take the battle into the boards. He’s a very good skater, who is often at times playing both ends of the ice. Schneider likes to emulate his game much like one his idols Scott Stevens.

“I try to be a good two-way defenseman. It’s important to both play physical on defense but be able to chip in on the offense when you get the chance. [Stevens] is certainly a player I admire,” said Schneider.

Schneider certainly showed his offensive prowess with his goal coming at 8:59 of the third period. While the Ducks were on a power play, Schneider sitting at the top of the zone, let a shot ripped, which deflected off a defender, beating Timo Pielmeier stick side to cut the lead in half.

Pielmeier was solid the rest of the way as he stopped 29-of-30 shots in the victory.

At the other end of the ice, Gerald Coleman stopped 19 shots in the loss.

Other players in the line up were Drew Miller, Ryan Carter and Bobby Ryan, who according to the reports of several media members were in attendance played an uninspired game although he had an assist on Schneider’s goal.

The Ducks will try to rebound, as they will take on the Ducks on Sunday night September 9, 2007 at Anaheim Ice.

Ducks Lines:
Bolt-Morrison-Dingle
Tangradi-Ebbett-Ryan
Beleskey-Christie-Swan
Miller-Carter-Bailey

de Gray-Festerling
Schneider-Veideman
Mikkelson-Salcido
Birnstill

Coleman-Levasseur

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