Jeremy Stasiuk lost an eye playing hockey, but plays on without regret
sees things a lot differently now and it has nothing to do with losing his left eye.
Enduring 12 eye surgeries in four years, Stasiuk has persevered through six seasons of pro hockey in Europe.
“My first year over there, I get my eye ripped out by a skate,” Stasiuk says. “I’ve now got a glass shell over my eye and, yet, overall, I have not one negative thing to say about it.
“I lost my eyesight, but it’s been such a good thing (otherwise). I’ve met a lot of good people. I found out a lot of things by myself. I learned a new language.
“It’s a very interesting thing to put yourself in a culture and become part of it. It shows yourself how much you appreciate being a Canadian.”
After three seasons with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, including being team captain, Stasiuk headed to Europe to pursue a pro career and see the world.
Stasiuk had 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points in 38 games with the Bremerhaven REV in the 2.GBun League before an accident changed his life — and hockey career — forever.
“It was a freak accident 15 seconds into the game,” recalls Stasiuk, a 32year-old native of Saskatoon.
He collided with another player. As they were both falling, the skate of the opposing player caught him in the eye.
“In Germany over six years I’ve probably been in the hospital seven months. I’ve had 12 eye surgeries. It’s dead, but I’ve still got (a good) one. It could be worse, man. My dad says, ‘I don’t know how you do it.’ I say to him, ‘I’ve got a guy who’s disabled next to me (in the hospital), a guy who’s 22 and can’t even eat by himself. I’ve got a 72-year-old guy who’s only got one leg. “I’m healthy really.” Still, Stasiuk spent agonizing months in a foreign hospital.
“I couldn’t speak a word of German and I was amongst all of these German people. I told my family to stay away, because it was too painful to visit (people) with all the stitches and movement.
“I had to do it by myself. I found my weaknesses and my strengths.”
Dogged determination has always been Stasiuk’s way.
“I was determined to prove that I could play again. The first season back certainly had its ups and downs. However, when the season ended, I scored a hat-trick in the (German OBL League) championship game to help win the championship, 4-1.
“I knew then why I came back. That changes a person in ways I can’t describe. It’s about finding what your limits are and going beyond your comfort level to satisfy something inside. “It sounds a bit dramatized.” Stasiuk is spending the summer taking classes at the University of Victoria.
As he contemplates retirement, he has accepted a transitional job as a player-coach in Austria.
“I want to give back something back to the game because it’s given me a lot of things. It’s given me a chance to challenge myself, but also see the world.
“They need someone to communicate the game to them and I think I can do the job. It’s a good opportunity. I also took the job because it allows me to travel and ski.
“The game comes first, but skiing is a sweet second option. I’m in powder and I’m in the Alps.”
Stasiuk was in Saskatoon earlier this month for the Huskies hockey alumni golf tournament. His plans for the future may include becoming a currency broker in Europe.
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to retire (from playing after next season),” he says.
His philosophy won’t change, however.
“Plan for tomorrow, but make sure you’re happy today.”
dzary@sp.canwest.com
Monday, July 30, 2007
Job offers cultural rewards
Jason Becker first ventured overseas in 2000, little knowing he’d still be playing in Europe eight years later.
He began his odyssey with the Bremerhaven REV of the 2.GBun League following five seasons with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
“I made it known to ( U of S coach) Dave Adolph that I was interested in going to Europe and asked him if he had any connections,” says Becker.
“It was around the middle of May when I got my first phone call from (Jamie Bartman) from Medicine Hat, who was coaching in Germany. He said he had heard some good things. Right then and there he pretty much made me an offer. He gave me 10 days to decide.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I took full advantage of it.And here I am (eight) years later. “I can’t believe it’s gone this long.” Becker played five seasons in the Western Hockey League, split among the Saskatoon Blades, Red Deer Rebels, Kamloops Blazers and Swift Current Broncos.
“I never really dreamed of playing in Europe. During university I first got the itch, hearing about how players had gone over there, like Dave Struch and Dean Seymour and Cam Bristow.
“It was a chance to travel and a chance to do something I love and still get to paid to do it.
“They supply each player with an apartment, a vehicle and take care of the flights for you and your family. It’s a pretty good deal.
“I’m doing OK. I was able to purchase a townhouse and a new vehicle.”
While the money is good, the overall experience is even better.
“You always meet new people in the hockey world,” says Becker, 33.“Now I know people halfway across the world. I’ve made a lot of friends that are of European descent — German, Italian, Russian, you name it.” And the toughest part? “The first couple of years, being away from family and friends. I’ve been pretty fortunate, my wife (Jaimie) — girlfriend at the time — was able to take time off school.The past (four) years, after we got married, she’s been able to come out the whole time.
“What I miss most right now are 7-Eleven Slurpees.”
Becker had the opportunity to play on the same German team as former Huskies teammate Jeremy Stasiuk.
“His first year over there we played together and (two seasons ago),I played against him.It’s always nice to see a familiar face, but it’s not always fun to have to battle him in the corner or in front of the net. “(But) I think he took it easy on me.” After spending last season with the ECHL’s Reading Royals, Becker is returning to Germany later this summer.
He began his odyssey with the Bremerhaven REV of the 2.GBun League following five seasons with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
“I made it known to ( U of S coach) Dave Adolph that I was interested in going to Europe and asked him if he had any connections,” says Becker.
“It was around the middle of May when I got my first phone call from (Jamie Bartman) from Medicine Hat, who was coaching in Germany. He said he had heard some good things. Right then and there he pretty much made me an offer. He gave me 10 days to decide.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I took full advantage of it.And here I am (eight) years later. “I can’t believe it’s gone this long.” Becker played five seasons in the Western Hockey League, split among the Saskatoon Blades, Red Deer Rebels, Kamloops Blazers and Swift Current Broncos.
“I never really dreamed of playing in Europe. During university I first got the itch, hearing about how players had gone over there, like Dave Struch and Dean Seymour and Cam Bristow.
“It was a chance to travel and a chance to do something I love and still get to paid to do it.
“They supply each player with an apartment, a vehicle and take care of the flights for you and your family. It’s a pretty good deal.
“I’m doing OK. I was able to purchase a townhouse and a new vehicle.”
While the money is good, the overall experience is even better.
“You always meet new people in the hockey world,” says Becker, 33.“Now I know people halfway across the world. I’ve made a lot of friends that are of European descent — German, Italian, Russian, you name it.” And the toughest part? “The first couple of years, being away from family and friends. I’ve been pretty fortunate, my wife (Jaimie) — girlfriend at the time — was able to take time off school.The past (four) years, after we got married, she’s been able to come out the whole time.
“What I miss most right now are 7-Eleven Slurpees.”
Becker had the opportunity to play on the same German team as former Huskies teammate Jeremy Stasiuk.
“His first year over there we played together and (two seasons ago),I played against him.It’s always nice to see a familiar face, but it’s not always fun to have to battle him in the corner or in front of the net. “(But) I think he took it easy on me.” After spending last season with the ECHL’s Reading Royals, Becker is returning to Germany later this summer.
Finesse, conditioning prized assets
Dean Beuker is of German heritage, but the language was Greek to him during his first season of pro hockey overseas.
The former University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout stickhandled his way around language and cultural barriers, finishing with 31 goals and 41 assists for 72 points in 50 games and placing second on his team and the league in scoring.
“It was a little shaky off the start, with the cultural and language problems,” Beuker says of his first season in Germany’s 2.GBun league. “As the season went on, I just got better and better and I really enjoyed myself.” The best part? “The people,” says the 26-year-old native of Watson. “I didn’t think I’d enjoy that part, trying to get to know people of a different language. The best guys over there were the German guys.
“My father is of German heritage. He helped me out a little. My mom was from Belgium. When she flew over, I drove her to her hometown. She loved that.”
Beuker played for the Essen Mosquitoes. Linemate Tyson Mulock of North Delta, B.C., led the league in scoring, racking up 50 goals and 51 assists for 101 points in 52 games.
“As usual, I try to latch on to somebody and let them carry me,” Beuker says.
“Our team wasn’t supposed to be very good, but we ended up making the playoffs. The atmosphere, the fans in the rink, was a lot different. There was more of a college atmosphere — half the stands were for people standing and cheering and not sitting on their hands. It was a lot more entertaining.
“I got some offers from the top (German league), but this was the best fit for me and my wife (Victoria). She’s going to be working at the same place next year. I really enjoyed my coach and the town was good, so I figured I rather be somewhere comfortable and maybe venture out somewhere (the following year).”
The season began in late August. Beuker said he didn’t fully adjust until November.
“It probably took me 15, 20 games. Pro hockey, your job depends on it. I couldn’t grasp that at the start. I was, like, ‘What are you guys talking about? This isn’t me.’
“You learn the style. There’s lots of skill and no rough stuff. They’re really in shape and I’m not one who’s the greatest conditioned person.”
In four seasons at the U of S, Beuker won the Canada West conference scoring title three times.
“There were a lot of things I wanted to do as a Huskie and that included being one of the top guys at the end of it all,” he says. “I would have loved to have won a (Canadian) championship.
“I still want to win something. Sooner or later I’ve got to be due for it.”
The former University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout stickhandled his way around language and cultural barriers, finishing with 31 goals and 41 assists for 72 points in 50 games and placing second on his team and the league in scoring.
“It was a little shaky off the start, with the cultural and language problems,” Beuker says of his first season in Germany’s 2.GBun league. “As the season went on, I just got better and better and I really enjoyed myself.” The best part? “The people,” says the 26-year-old native of Watson. “I didn’t think I’d enjoy that part, trying to get to know people of a different language. The best guys over there were the German guys.
“My father is of German heritage. He helped me out a little. My mom was from Belgium. When she flew over, I drove her to her hometown. She loved that.”
Beuker played for the Essen Mosquitoes. Linemate Tyson Mulock of North Delta, B.C., led the league in scoring, racking up 50 goals and 51 assists for 101 points in 52 games.
“As usual, I try to latch on to somebody and let them carry me,” Beuker says.
“Our team wasn’t supposed to be very good, but we ended up making the playoffs. The atmosphere, the fans in the rink, was a lot different. There was more of a college atmosphere — half the stands were for people standing and cheering and not sitting on their hands. It was a lot more entertaining.
“I got some offers from the top (German league), but this was the best fit for me and my wife (Victoria). She’s going to be working at the same place next year. I really enjoyed my coach and the town was good, so I figured I rather be somewhere comfortable and maybe venture out somewhere (the following year).”
The season began in late August. Beuker said he didn’t fully adjust until November.
“It probably took me 15, 20 games. Pro hockey, your job depends on it. I couldn’t grasp that at the start. I was, like, ‘What are you guys talking about? This isn’t me.’
“You learn the style. There’s lots of skill and no rough stuff. They’re really in shape and I’m not one who’s the greatest conditioned person.”
In four seasons at the U of S, Beuker won the Canada West conference scoring title three times.
“There were a lot of things I wanted to do as a Huskie and that included being one of the top guys at the end of it all,” he says. “I would have loved to have won a (Canadian) championship.
“I still want to win something. Sooner or later I’ve got to be due for it.”
Goalie Lehman wins Grand Slam of English hockey
Jon Barkman, former player of the year in Canadian Interuniversity Sport, spent last season with the Miesbach TEV in the German OBL League.
He racked up 27 goals and 34 assists for 61 points in 17 games.
Next season he is going to play for Eppan, an Italy A-1 Division team.
“It’s been awesome,” Barkman, 27, says of playing in Europe. “It’s been good to see a different part of the world.
“Culture is a large part of it, but not the best part. The best part is to still play at a competitive level and get paid to do something you love to do.”
Jody Lehman, a goalie with the Huskies for one year, went on to play five seasons of minor pro in the Central Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and American Hockey League, then headed to Europe for five seasons.
“Absolutely, it’s a good experience,” says Lehman, 32. “You can only play in the Coast for so long. You can’t really get ahead, so you look where the best options are. I had the opportunity to go to Coventry.
“I went there for three years and did my schooling. (My first year) we ended up winning the league in the playoffs. My last season there, during the NHL lockout, we had Wade Belak from my hometown (Battlefords) and my best friend Adam Calder.
“We ended up winning the Grand Slam: The Challenge Cup, the league and the playoffs. “It was a pretty special year.” Lehman has since returned home and last summer in Meota married an English woman he had met in Coventry.
Cam Bristow, 34, of Saskatoon played for Frisk-Asker in Norway and the BISL’s Ayr Scottish Eagles before returning to North America to wind up his career.
Sheldon Moser, 33, of Mendham played a handful of seasons in Europe in Salzburg, Austria and Appiano, Italy. He is now retired from hockey. Scott Cannam, 34, is playing in the U.K. Bryce Thoma, 25, who spent last season with the ECHL’s Las Vegas Wranglers, plans to play pro in England.
He racked up 27 goals and 34 assists for 61 points in 17 games.
Next season he is going to play for Eppan, an Italy A-1 Division team.
“It’s been awesome,” Barkman, 27, says of playing in Europe. “It’s been good to see a different part of the world.
“Culture is a large part of it, but not the best part. The best part is to still play at a competitive level and get paid to do something you love to do.”
Jody Lehman, a goalie with the Huskies for one year, went on to play five seasons of minor pro in the Central Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and American Hockey League, then headed to Europe for five seasons.
“Absolutely, it’s a good experience,” says Lehman, 32. “You can only play in the Coast for so long. You can’t really get ahead, so you look where the best options are. I had the opportunity to go to Coventry.
“I went there for three years and did my schooling. (My first year) we ended up winning the league in the playoffs. My last season there, during the NHL lockout, we had Wade Belak from my hometown (Battlefords) and my best friend Adam Calder.
“We ended up winning the Grand Slam: The Challenge Cup, the league and the playoffs. “It was a pretty special year.” Lehman has since returned home and last summer in Meota married an English woman he had met in Coventry.
Cam Bristow, 34, of Saskatoon played for Frisk-Asker in Norway and the BISL’s Ayr Scottish Eagles before returning to North America to wind up his career.
Sheldon Moser, 33, of Mendham played a handful of seasons in Europe in Salzburg, Austria and Appiano, Italy. He is now retired from hockey. Scott Cannam, 34, is playing in the U.K. Bryce Thoma, 25, who spent last season with the ECHL’s Las Vegas Wranglers, plans to play pro in England.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Alumni Golf Tournament- Thursday, July 5
The eighth annual Hockey Alumni Golf Tournament will take place at the Willows Golf and Country Club on Thursday, July 5. This is an excellent fundraiser for Huskie Hockey and an excellent chance to come socialize with past and present players.
Format
* 135.00 per player
(golf, cart, supper, gift, beverage)
* Texas Scramble – submit
your own teams of three.
(Note: two threesomes will play on each hole.)
* Two long drive holes.
* Two closest to the pin holes.
* Driving Range included.
* Supper @ 6:15 p.m.
* Prize Presentation and Social
to follow.
Tee/Green Sponsors and Teams of three discounts. Phone for details.
All money raised will go into the “Dog” Hockey Alumni Fund. Thank you for your involvement in making this tournament an annual event.
For more information:
Dan Leier
(306) 374-3839
or
Shannon Briske
(306) 260-1441
or
Trevor Winkler(306) 373-4621
Format
* 135.00 per player
(golf, cart, supper, gift, beverage)
* Texas Scramble – submit
your own teams of three.
(Note: two threesomes will play on each hole.)
* Two long drive holes.
* Two closest to the pin holes.
* Driving Range included.
* Supper @ 6:15 p.m.
* Prize Presentation and Social
to follow.
Tee/Green Sponsors and Teams of three discounts. Phone for details.
All money raised will go into the “Dog” Hockey Alumni Fund. Thank you for your involvement in making this tournament an annual event.
For more information:
Dan Leier
(306) 374-3839
or
Shannon Briske
(306) 260-1441
or
Trevor Winkler(306) 373-4621
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Former Dog -Troy Parchman: Making it big in the Windy City
Troy Parchman: Making it big in the Windy City
Thursday, February 01, 2007
by Devin Heroux, U of Saskatchewan Sports Info Assistant
It was humble beginnings for Troy Parchman. The product of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and now equipment manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, has had quite an illustrious career, a career that started right here at the University of Saskatchewan.
Parchman had finished high school, and headed north to Saskatoon, where he would enter the U of S, not too sure exactly what he wanted to be doing, but knew it had to involve sports. In 1982 Parchman got a big break, and would end up becoming the Huskies football and hockey equipment manager. This is what paved the way for what would become his life job, and life love.
It was a lot of work for Parchman as he tried to earn a degree, and take care of all the equipment for two of the biggest sports teams on campus. His hard work wouldn’t go unnoticed however, as in 1988, he would get his second big break, receiving news that the Canadian national hockey team would like him as their equipment manager. The news was thrilling for Parchman. From 1988 to 1994, he served as equipment manager with the national program, where he worked consecutive World Hockey Championships from 1991-94.
His experience with the University and the Canadian national hockey team would allow him to expand his knowledge of what it took to be the best in the business, and his name was getting around quickly. Before long Parchman would be using his expertise in the biggest sporting event in the world, the Olympics.
After taking part in the 1992 and 1994 Olympics, Parchman looked for something a little more concrete, a job that would allow him to stay in one place with his wife. That’s when he got the offer with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Parchman has no idea when the phone will ring next to ask him if he wants to be a part of another World Championship or Olympics. For right now, he loves his job with the Blackhawks, but would be more than willing to take part, in say, another Olympics if he had the chance. He does, however, admit that if it weren’t for the University of Saskatchewan, and the chance he received with the Hockey and Football teams, he would not be where he is today.
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