The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
When 1988 born forwards Scott and Steve Schroeder broke into the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, they became the fad of the day for provincial media who follow the league on a regular basis. "We had some newspapers and CTV do stories with us and you always hear questions like 'what is it like', 'is it better than playing with other guys', 'do you know your twin brother inside out'. I think people are just fascinated with twins and even more when you have twins playing high level hockey," says Steve. Bronco fans have, likely, figured out how to differentiate between the two long ago, but the best way for casual fans to remember is the Even Steven-Odd Scott method. Steve wears an even number (10) and Scott an odd one (7). "We've heard that all through minor hockey," jokes Scott. The Broncos have had incredible success in the almost three years the Schroeder twins have been associated with the program. The tremendous stories associated with the team, Schroeder twins aside, have taken away from of their individual attention. It suits Scott and Steve just fine; but their impact on the program cannot be overstated. "The novelty act for me never wears off. They are two quality kids and a pleasure for me to work with. They both bring a lot to the table and yet they are two very separate identities. Each kid is his own personality. Steve is the quieter of the two and his approach is such that when he says something in the dressing room, everybody stops what they're doing and listens. Scott is quite a bit more outgoing and isn't afraid to speak his mind at all. As twins go, they are very much alike; but they are also very different from one another when you look at how they play the game and their approach," says head coach Dean Brockman. "In a way, I think being twins has taken a lot of pressure of us as individuals," says Scott. "People are so interested in the fact we are twins playing in the SJHL that they almost forgive us if we are not being real good SJHL players. It is hard to make it this far as twins and then to play well as twins, I think it is just an added accomplishment." Scott has endured serious injuries to his quad and shoulder, the first of which cost him an opportunity to help his team overcome Selkirk in the 2007 ANAVET Cup. It was a series the Broncos, ultimately, lost in seven games. He also dealt with a chronic shoulder problem that required surgery over the summer; but he recovered enough to finish second on the team in scoring with 66 points and was named a finalist for the Graham Christie Award, which goes to the player who provides inspirational leadership and dedication to teammates on and off the ice. Scott appreciated the recognition. "It was a nice pat on the back to know I was doing it right. I worked hard and stayed in Humboldt all summer to get into condition so I could have a good year. I had times when I really wondered if I would be the player that I hoped to be." To say it was a good year may have been an understatement as he was given SJHL All-Team status. If a player is lucky, he may get a linemate for one year at the SJHL level. Steve joked that playing with Scott for the last fifteen years reached a point where it was a nice change whenever Brockman broke them up. "It is kind of refreshing and it also lights a fire to get going again." The third component to the Schroeder line has been different for each of the three years the two have been Broncos. The one common denominator seems to be a physical presence. This season, Shawn Hunter and Leo Lacourciere have rotated in the position. "Having a big body out there is nice. Both of those guys are good on the powerplay too when they get in front of the net. I think maybe Dean likes them to grind things out for us," says Steve. Scott says Steve is the smarter player of the two and distributes the puck better. "I go more off instinct and muck it out." Both have options to continue hockey in the NCAA next fall. Steve admits his appetite to continue playing exceeded Scott's, although Scott has caught up. "If it works out, great. If it doesn't, I think I will go to school and take up carpentry," said Steve. "Schools seem to be interested in both of us and, to me, that makes the most sense. We are better players together than we are separated," added Scott.
