TRU adds pair of returning players to bolster squad for remainder of season

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Thompson Rivers University has added a pair of forwards in hopes of infusing some offense into their line-up beginning in January.

The WolfPack have welcomed back Duncan Schulz and Josh MacDonald, who suited up for the team in the first half of the 2011/12 season. Both players are returning to Thompson Rivers after taking a break from their schooling and hockey a year ago.

Both players are expected to immediately bolster a forward corps that was hit hard by injuries during the first half of the regular season. Schulz has 16 points under his belt in just eight previous BCIHL games, while MacDonald scored three times and added 12 assists in a dozen appearances.

"I'm pretty excited," said Schulz, who will not only continue his Bachelor of Business Administration courses but also look at entering the electrical trades program. "I was a bit overwhelmed with school, hockey and some other issues last year, but I'm now mentally ready to be a student-athlete."

 "I can't wait to get back," stated MacDonald, who will be upgrading his high school credits with an eye to entering either an academic or trades program full time in the fall of 2013. "I tried my hand at pro hockey (in the Federal Hockey League), but I'm anxious to go to school and get back to playing with the WolfPack."

MacDonald was at training camp with the FHL's Thousand Island Privateers in October but was let go after the NHL lockout began and players began filtering down from higher minor leagues.

"It was a good experience but I'm looking forward to rejoining the WolfPack. I got along with the players who are still there from last year plusI used to play Junior B with Anthony Delong and I got to know Colten DeFrias from playing alongside his brothers Brett (in Golden of the KIJHL) and Drew last year with the WolfPack."

 "I'm sure I am going to be able to help the team both offensively and defensively," added Schulz. "I think I have improved that aspect of my game since leaving Junior."

Schulz was a top scorer with the Kamloops Storm before joining the WolfPack in 2011. He has worked out with the ‘Pack the last couple of weeks while MacDonald is training in Calgary. Both are anxious to rejoin their former mates on a permanent basis.

"Both Duncan and Josh will bring speed, skill, depth, scoring and tenacity," said WolfPack head coach Don Schulz. "They both played in the league before, both experienced success and know what to expect. They’ll definitely challenge to be in the top six forwards if not the top three."

The coach says the fact the two have been in the BCIHL for a half year and under his tutelage, that they will be able to pick up the Thompson Rivers systems quickly. 

"We do a couple of different things on special teams and our forecheck has changed," he says. "They're both 'hockey smart' so I don’t think it will be much of an adjustment."

The WolfPack return to regular season action on Saturday January 5th in Burnaby against the SFU Clan. Their next home game is Friday, January 18th at Memorial Arena against the defending league champion University of Victoria Vikes.