Former NHLer and Vancouver Canucks forward Peter Schaefer has joined the Surrey Eagles of the B.C. hockey League as an assistant coach.
Schaefer recorded 99 goals and 252 points in nine NHL seasons, which included two stints with the Vancouver Canucks.
A native of Yellow Grass, Sask., Schaefer began his NHL career in Vancouver. The Canucks drafted him with the 66th overall pick in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft after he recorded 124 goals and 172 assists in three seasons with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. Schaefer’s Wheat Kings’ squad won the WHL championship in 1996, and he won a WHL MVP award in 1997.
Schaefer joined the Canucks as a rookie in 1999, and played three seasons in Vancouver. He was traded to the Ottawa Senators before the 2002-03 season for current Canucks defenceman Sami Salo, and was then traded to the Boston Bruins in July, 2007.
Schaefer ended his career with the Canucks, playing 16 games at the start of the 2010-11 season before being placed on waivers.
“It is exciting for me to join an organization that has been very successful on the ice, and has helped 13 players get university scholarships last season alone,” said Schaefer. “I hope to use my experience to help the players continue to improve and reach their full potential both on and off the ice.”
The Eagles said that Schaefer will also work with the team in a player development role.
“I am excited about the addition of Peter to the coaching staff,” said Eagles head coach Matt Erhart. “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.”