After a successful journey hockey career that took him from Victoria to Saskatoon, before finishing in Drumheller, Kimberley native Isaac Schacher is headed back to Saskatchewan, committing his services to the University of Regina Cougars men’s hockey team Monday afternoon.
“Isaac played a huge role as a leader for the Dragons last season,” said Brian Curran, head coach and general manager of the Drumheller Dragons, in a team release. “He will no doubt play a leading role at the collegiate level as well. He is a skilled defenceman who is patient with the puck and sees the ice well.
“I would like to congratulate him on his commitment and wish him all the best next season and beyond.”
Schacher, a 20-year-old defenceman, enjoyed a 139-game Western Hockey League career, splitting time with the Victoria Royals, Regina Pats and Saskatoon Blades after getting started with his hometown Dynamiters of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.
Without a WHL suitor for the 2015-16 campaign, the 6-foot-4, 214-pound Schacher rounded out his junior hockey career in the Alberta Junior Hockey League this past season, playing 52 games with the Drumheller Dragons.
According to a Dragons news release, Schacher is expected to study business while also suiting up for the men’s hockey program.
The Cougars men’s hockey program features a number of Kimberley and Cranbrook connections, leaving Schacher surrounded by many names familiar to the East Kootenay.
The Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) squad features a number of former Kootenay Ice players, including forward Zach McPhee (2012-13 to 2013-14) and defencemen Landon Peel (2012-13 to 2013-14) and Landon Cross (2013-14). To top it off, the Cougars are coached by former Ice assistant coach Todd Johnson (2010-11 to 2011-12).
In 100 KIJHL games with the Dynamiters, Schacher registered 18 goals and 63 points before moving on to collect two goals and 18 points in 139 WHL games.
Serving as an alternate captain for the Dragons in his final year of junior, Schacher posted nine goals and 29 points in 52 contests.