Florida native Skogen Schrott is leaving behind a sub-tropical climate to play next season in the B.C. Hockey League for the Prince George Spruce Kings.
The 2005-born Michigan Tech recruit played as 17-year-old this past season for the Florida Alliance U-18 triple-A team and led his team with 16 goals and 31 points. He also skated for Newsome High in his hometown of Lithia, a Tampa suburb, and in seven games he collected 18 goals and 25 points.
“The (NCAA) recruiting process was smooth and easy,” said the five-foot-nine, 154-pound Schrott. “I decided to play for the Spruce Kings because of how well it fits me and my play style."
In 2021-22, Schrott put up 26 goals and 41 points for the Florida Alliance North U-16s, and also played two games in the USHL for the Youngstown Phantoms, who drafted him in the 15th round in 2021. He was also picked in the ninth round of the Ontario Hockey League draft that year by the Mississauga Steelheads.
"We are thrilled to add Skogen to the Spruce Kings,” said head coach Alex Evin, in a team release. "Along with strong work habits, he should bring great play-making ability and speed to our forward group next season."
Schrott hopes to utilize his speed and skill to become a valuable asset to the Kings’ forward group. He’s also looking forward to making the adjustment to living in a smaller city, 5,290 kilometres from home, playing in a country whose national winter sport is hockey.
"Obviously coming from Florida there's definitely going to be a little bit of a culture shock, but I'm most excited about the change in my life and to experience a whole new life," said Schrott.
