Bjorn Schuepbach left his Monument home two seasons ago to play junior hockey for the EHL’s Seacoast Spartans, a club based in New Hampshire.

After two solid years with the Spartans, the 2000-born defenseman will head back east this fall after recently committing to NCAA Division III Connecticut College.

“The opportunity came up because my coach with Seacoast, Brett Tryder, reached out to Joe Giordano, the assistant coach over at Conn,” said Schuepbach. “He watched some games and liked what he saw, and things progressed from there. I’d say definitely a dream come true. I always knew I wanted to play in the NESCAC but didn’t know where. I’m so grateful to have ended up with Connecticut College as it was always at the top of my list.”

In 76 career games with Seacoast, Schuepbach tallied 43 points on 19 goals and 24 assists.

“It has been a pleasure to have Bjorn with us for two years,” said Tryder. “He works hard every day and constantly looks to improve his game. It is great when a player that works so hard is able to reach his goals. ‘Schuep’ was great for us in all situations and has set the standard of the culture that we strive for at Seacoast. His game is really suited for the NESCAC, and I have no doubt that he will continue to have success at the college level. I am looking forward to seeing him play at Conn College and following his career.”

The EHL All-Star also gave an appreciative nod to developing with the Spartans program.

“I was given Brett Tryder’s number after I skated with the Boston Jr. Rangers,” Schuepbach said. “BJR was all filled up with defenseman, so I went to Seacoast, and I stuck. My first and second season on a team level was amazing. My first year, we were all so close and passionate, day in and day out. As we went into playoffs, we upset the hottest team in the league at that time, the Walpole Express. No one could have imagined it, but we were so ecstatic. My second season was a bit tougher due to COVID restrictions. The adversity seemed to bring the team together, and we shined even with a few ups and downs. We went on to win the Granite Cup and sweep the New Hampshire Avalanche in the first round of playoffs.

“Personally, I was proud of my two seasons with the Spartans. I did my best to contribute to the team as best I could whether that was blocking shots, hits, goals, and competing.”

Schuepbach noted that in committing to Connecticut College, the coaching staff there “made it a really easy choice for me.”

“Both Coach (Jim) Ward and Coach Gio made it very welcoming,” said Schuepbach. “Also, the team is coming off from an amazing season even through COVID, so I can only hope to add to their success in the future. Academically, Connecticut College is very prestigious, and I’m honored to be accepted. Conn is amazing at finding their graduates jobs right out of college, and I’ve only heard amazing things.”

At the moment, Schuepbach said he is not certain what his major will be, but he is leaning toward Computer Science.

Growing up, Schuepbach played for the Colorado Rampage his entire youth career.

“The coaches that really pushed me to realize I have talent are Dave Fromm, Luke Fulghum, Tyler Shipstad, Mike Ciolli, Sergei Krivokrasov, Pat Bingham, and Kevin Lapointe,” said Schuepbach. “They all had such an impact on my career, and I’m very fortunate to have crossed paths with them. My most memorable moment was winning states and regionals my last year of U18’s (in 2019). We went onto nationals and went 1-1-1. Other memories I have are just sharing unforgettable moments through with my teammates over the years.”

“I got started playing hockey at the age of four at the Honnen Ice Arena in Colorado Springs. What kept me hooked is how fun and competitive it was. My freshman year in high school, I had to choose between hockey and baseball. I do not regret my decision.”

Going forward, Schuepbach wants to keep lacing up his skates as much as possible.

“My long-term goals for hockey are to be the best I can be these next four years at Conn, and then to possibly play pro hockey overseas,” he said. “In terms of school and life, I want to have a great job that’s well paying so I can support a family.”

Photo/Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

— Matt Mackinder

(August 13, 2021)