Tom Schaul has accepted the position of LEAFS Hockey Club Goalie Director. Tom joined the Leafs coaching staff in 2013 as the assistant coach for both the Midget Major CSDHL team and the Bantam Minor CSDHL team. Tom grew up in Mt. Prospect, IL and played youth hockey for Park Ridge’s Northern Express and the Chicago Young Americans. He played American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) D1 Hockey while going to University of Oklahoma to pursue a degree in Special Education. He played four years there while earning his bachelor’s degree.
After college Tom became a practice goalie for the Chicago Wolves, which opened the door for a short career in the ECHL. During his 3 years in the ECHL he played mostly for the Chicago Express, Kalamazoo K-wings and Toledo Walleye. Tom works with all ages and levels of goaltenders in the Mid-West.
Tom has also been a Midget Major Coach at the Central States Level for 5 years between the Park Ridge Express and LEAFS Hockey Club. He won his first state championship at the U19 level with the Park Ridge Express in 2010. Tom is currently a Special Education teacher at Wheeling High School in addition to his new role as Goalie Director for LEAFS.
Last team played for
Chicago Express/Kalamazoo K-wings (ECHL)
Years as a MGS Student
10
Years as a MGS Coach
13
Favorite goalie growing up
Patrick Roy/Eddie Belfour
What type of coach are you
My coaching style is laid back and energenic. I will not change a goalie just because things are changing, I will work with a goalie on what they have and make it stronger. I will introduce them to different tools and strategies but not change the way they are as a goaltender
Best Game Played
In college, I went to University of Oklahoma and was playing University of Arizona in Tuscon in front of 6,000 fans. We lost the night before and this night I was getting the start. I had a 53 save shutout winning 3-0. It was a webcasted game and all of my family watched online and called me or texted me after to say how awesome the game was.
Most important lesson hockey taught you
Hockey taught me to never give up on what you want, and what you want you have to work harder than you ever imagined and by doing that anything can happen. It taught me to be a competitive warrior in everything I do whether it is a sport or anything else. I want to be the best at what I set my mind on.
Why is being a goalie hard
I have never been a quarterback but imagine the mindset is similar to a NHL goalie. Both positions are the centerpiece of the game and can dictate the outcome more than any other position on the ice or field. You have to be mentally, physically, and emotionally tougher than everyone else. When a goal is scored on you everyone looks at you and does not see that it already went through 5 other people.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years
In ten years I see myself continuing my teaching career along with my coaching career. Hopefully a family with a little goalie will be present to.