Dylan Schives Exceeds Expectations
Dylan Schives of the Quebec Remparts – Photo by Bee Tee
After all, he was an undrafted free agent who had yet to prove himself beyond the Junior B level.
That all changed as the season progressed for the Tilbury product, and the defender started exceeding everyone’s expectations, including his own.
“The season was truly unreal, coming in I wasn’t expected to play a lot, I wasn’t guaranteed an amount of games played or anything,” said Schives, who was not selected in the OHL draft, but played his underage season with the Junior B Chatham Maroons.
“I just knew with hard work it would come. Now I’m playing some special teams and getting a lot of ice time and I’m continually learning and improving.”
After not being guaranteed playing time, and being a frequent scratch in the early days of the season, Schives went on to play 55 games for the Remparts, and had 2 goals and 5 points in his rookie season.
Schives, a Chatham-Kent Cyclones alumni, attributes much of his success this season to the guidance of NHL Hall of Famer, and former NHL coach Patrick Roy, who is the owner and coach of the Quebec Remparts.
“He’s a winner,” said Schives of 4-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Roy. “He definitely stresses good work habits on and off the ice and he wants to win. He guides the team in what it takes to win. Any player would be lucky to play for him.”
Although he’s earned every second he has played, Schives knows there is still much he can add to his game.
“For my year, I’ve learnt a lot, I’ve been adding a lot more offense to my game and now it’s just a matter of finishing my chances. I will continue to work hard to keep improving.”
Much of that improvement will come in the offseason. The Quebec Remparts defender hopes that with a solid offseason, he can return to the QMJHL and turn some heads. Schives saw his season end a few weeks too early as he broke his hand in practice on the eve of playoffs, but he’s ready to get down to work.
“I’m going to continue to train with Athletes Fuel that has done a lot for me, both on and off the ice, which will definitely improve my game for next year,” he said. “This summer is huge for me. If I come in with a strong season next year I believe I will be able to turn some heads.”
He proved himself before Junior B . He was 6th defender in the Alliance his draft year but it was a blessing he was not drafted . Thanks to the OHL for overlooking him and a huge thanks to his scout who saw he was being overlooked and for Patrick Roy and his team for seeing what a player on and off the ice he was. Pretty surreal when the one that saw what we had seen all along was a hall of famer. Thanks again OHL because Schives is EXACTLY where he deserves to be!!! For all those kids that do not get drafted it is truly a blessing in disguise but it takes a special person to keep working hard and going about it a different way !!!! Very proud of that Schives kid ! Keep dreaming cause it works !!!!
Yet to prove himself beyond the Junior B level!!! He was 6th is all defense in the Alliance his draft year and was overlooked by all OHL teams !!! Pretty surreal when a scout from the area saw how he was being overlooked and gave him the opportunity he EARNED to try out for the Remparts in which a HALL OF FAMER confirmed what ALL his hometown areas overlooked and took him as a player that contributes on but more IMPORTANTLY OFF the ice. To all the kids that don’t get drafted let it be your blessing in disguise like it was for Dylan. Do not let this draft or articles in the paper define who you are! Keep dreaming because it works. One proud momma who adores Quebec and the opportunity it has given her son. SHINE ON SCHIVES !!!