Ivo Jaschick's
Eye on Europe
Ivo Jaschick Reports from Germany

Germany:
Cologne Sharks Captain Back in the Saddle

Brad Schlegel, former Washington Capitals pick, bounces back
PHOTOS: Albert & Daniel Schäfer www.das-sportfoto.de email: albert-schaefer@das-sportfoto.de

In year one after the NHL lockout, the Kölner Haie are again amongst the favorites for the 2006 DEL championship. In addition to a few key new additions (Team Germany netminder Oliver Jonas and defenseman Lasse Kopitz, former NHL forward Ivan Ciernik, as well as several talented junior players), the return of Brad Schlegel to the line-up has got things looking positive.

The blueliner, born in Kitchener, Ontario (DOB: 07/22/1968), looks back on a long, eventful career. However, on October 24, 2004, things were interrupted by a tough challenge during the game against Adler Mannheim. The Haie’s captain suffered a torn ACL in his right knee. For many, it would have been a career-ending injury, but not for Brad Schlegel. In an attempt to help out the club in the decisive phase of the season, the two-time Olympic silver medal winner (`92 & `94), tried to make a comeback – but it was too early, and the right-handed shooter was forced to be patient and work hard on a new return.

However, by this point, he could already look back on a lengthy career: Brad Schlegel, like many of his compatriots, quickly became enthralled by the amazing sport of hockey. At an early age, he played with his friends on the outdoor rinks of Canada. Later, the tough defenseman lined up for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League. He was also noticed by NHL scouts, and the young Canadian was drafted in the seventh round, 144th overall, by the Washington Capitals in 1988. However, before Brad Schlegel made his first NHL appearance in 1991, he suited up for Team Canada.

In four years, the intelligent defenseman played in 260 games for his country, scoring an impressive 21 goals and 87 assists. This led to the opportunity to appear in North America's top league for the Capitals. In 3 years, he scored 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists) in 55 NHL appearances (26 games for the Flames). However, he spent most of his time playing for the farm teams Baltimore Skipjacks (Washington) and St. John’s Flames (Calgary). Luckily for German hockey, the ambitious defenseman decided a move to Europe would further his career.

Following a successful spell with Hannover (26 games, 1 goal, 16 assists), he moved to Austria with VSV Villach, where he spent 5 years. As well as success on the ice (241 games, 34 goals, 145 assists), Schlegel also found the love of his life in the Alp republic – Heidi, who was soon joined by daughter Naomi. At the turn of the millennium, aged 32, Schlegel switched to the Schwenningen Wild Wings, and a year later, moved on to the Kölner Haie. With each year, his points total has increased. Cologne’s no. 29 began the 2004/05 season as captain, and had scored 10 points in 12 games (2 goals, 8 assists) when his knee was injured, putting an end to his successful spell.

“Of course, it was pretty frustrating on the bench, not being able to help out. But you’ve got to take a positive view of the situation overall. In my case, it was the first major injury of my career – okay, I’d had some little knocks, but had never missed more than four or five games. I’m pleased that I didn’t pick up the injury at the beginning of my career! – then it would have been much harder!”

He also appeared very optimistic regarding his comeback. It was never a question whether he would return – but rather “when?”. “It really motivates you to see the progress – that was a big help! I’ll fight to get back, and hopefully have fun playing the sport again!” On September 09, 2005, the time had come. The seemingly endless rehab period, the spectating, and the waiting was over. The returning Schlegel took to the ice partnering stay-at-home defenseman Paul Traynor – a comeback which couldn’t have turned out any better: Schlegel put together a tidy performance, and despite a 0-2 deficit, the team won out 3-2. “Of course, I can tell I’m a bit rusty – but it’s getting better by every game!”
 

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