There will be a familiar face on the blue line for Brock Badgers head coach Marty Williamson when the puck drops on the 2019-20 OUA men's hockey season.
The Badgers recruited defenceman Johnny Schaefer, who recently wrapped up his junior hockey career with the Niagara IceDogs.
In 2014, Williamson drafted Schaefer when he was the general manager and head coach of the IceDogs.
"Jon is an outstanding defenceman who plays hard every shift and loves to do the little things like blocking shots or taking a hit to make the play," said Williamson. "Every team needs players like Jon, and we are lucky to have him."
Schaefer, a 21 year-old from Stoney Creek, will be studying Business in September.
"Playing in the Niagara Region has allowed me to spend time on Brock's campus and I feel it is an exciting place that continues to grow," said Schaefer. "I look forward to transitioning to a student-athlete. Brock has an amazing hockey program and coaching staff and the opportunity to be back with the coach who I started my OHL career with was a no-brainer."
Schaefer, who was named an alternate captain last season, helped the IceDogs to the second round of the playoffs. He scored two goals and 15 points in 62 games with Niagara last season.
"I'm a puck-moving defenceman who takes pride in my defensive-zone play and I love to battle and be tough to play against," said Schaefer.
Schaefer grew up playing Timbits hockey in Grimsby at the age of three. He shifted over to the Hamilton Bulldogs system and was drafted by the IceDogs in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection. He also won the Golden Horseshoe junior B championship with the Caledonia Corvairs during the 2015-16 season.
He credits his parents, Todd and Jennifer, for his tenacious work ethic on and off the ice.
"My parents have always kept me grounded and living at home while playing in the OHL has reinforced that," said Schaefer. "Not to mention the countless hours spent driving to practices, games and tournaments and the support they've provided to me over the years. I can't forget my little brother, Matthew, who is definitely my biggest fan."
The Brock men's hockey team hits the ice when training camp begins during the last week of August.
