Former Vancouver Canucks forward Peter Schaefer is trading in his skates for a whistle, joining the coaching staff of the BCHL’s Surrey Eagles. Schaefer has signed on as an assistant coach with a focus on player development.
The 34-year-old wrapped up his professional career two years ago, splitting his final season between the National Hockey League Canucks and German League’s Ingolstadt ERC.
Schaefer logged nine seasons in the NHL and looks forward to the new opportunity.
“It’s exciting for me to join an organization that has been very successful on the ice, and helped 13 players get university scholarships last season alone,” Schaefer said. “I hope to use my experience to help the players continue to improve and reach their full potential both on and off the ice.”
Eagles head coach and general manager Matt Erhart says Schaefer’s resume instantly improves the Eagles.
“I am excited about the addition of Peter to the coaching staff,” Erhart said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program and will be very beneficial in assisting the players in helping them reach their hockey goals.”
Schaefer never played in the BCHL, opting for the major junior route and the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings. Schaefer scored 124 goals and 172 assists in just over three seasons in the Dub.
He played internationally as a member of the Canadian World Junior team in 1997. He played in the IIHF World Championships on two occasions.