A bright spot for the Victoria Royals this past Western Hockey League RE/MAX B.C Hub season was the play of rookie forward Brayden Schuurman. The 17-year-old forward played top minutes and contributed offensively and defensively. Whether it be taking key faceoffs, killing penalties, or scoring game-winning overtime goals, Schuurman showed he is up for the challenge of playing in the WHL. The Abbotsford, BC native didn’t take the opportunity for granted.
“I’ve worked hard for this for my whole life,” he said. “Coming to the rink every day and earning those minutes. They don’t come easy. You have to work for it and be reliable.”
For Schuurman, the hard work led to ice time with the team’s top forwards in various situations.
One of the biggest goals of his young career was an overtime game-winner against the Prince George Cougars. The forward finished a nice play with Brayden Tracey, taking a return pass while charging to the net.
“I was out there for about 45 seconds before we had possession,” recalled Schuurman. “I checked them at our blue line, passed it over to Tracey and saw the defenseman flat-footed. I got my feet moving and Tracey made a nice play to the back door for me to tip in.”
Playing with veterans such as Tracey, Brandon Culter, and team captain Tarun Fizer gave Schuurman a firsthand look at what he needs to do to be successful in the league.
“They show the young players what it takes to be in this league and what it takes to hopefully get to the next level,” said Schuurman. “Whether it’s preparation before the game or recovery afterwards, I see how hard they work and their commitment on and off the ice. I look up to them and how they take care of themselves, both at the arena and just as people away from the rink.”
Schuurman himself is familiar to the leadership role. Drafted by Victoria in the fourth round, 69th overall, in the 2019 Bantam Draft, he had captained the Yale Hockey Academy Bantam Prep Team to the 2018-19 Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL) Bantam Prep Championship.
After playing close to home for his young hockey career, Schuurman is now taking the next step. This included the unique scenario of spending two months away in the team hub based out of Kelowna, B.C. The time away had obvious advantages as well as some challenges.
“I enjoy the team environment of what the boys give you as your buddies and your friends,” said Schuurman. “I missed it for a long time with hockey being shut down last year. But it was difficult being away from my family. As a young guy, I haven’t been away from home for that long, so it’s different for sure.”
As the season over, Schuurman is home again and building on his experience. “I’ll look to continue to improve my strength and speed,” said Schuurman. “The game is fast, and you have to move and think fast. If I can be quick out there with my feet and my mind, that is the goal.”
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