Schumacher finding WHL legs

Andreas Schumacher could be finding his stride in the WHL.

The big Swede had a four point night for the Swift Current Broncos on Saturday in Saskatoon after chipping in with a goal on Friday in Prince Albert.

That success came as the coaches felt Schumacher had made some big improvements since returning from the lineup from time as a healthy scratch.

"I struggled a little bit," he said. "I just realized I had to work harder to be a good player in the league. Now I think I have been playing much better and getting used to the smaller rinks."

The five points over the weekend more than doubled his total up to seven points in 24 games for the rookie. Schumacher may also earn some bigger minutes as a result.

"It was a big adjustment for him playing in this league and playing a different ice surface than he was used to back in Sweden," said Broncos associate coach Josh Dixon. "He's continued to work. He's shown tremendous growth and improvement. It takes time but greats to see him get rewarded because he works very hard and has a positive attitude."

But will improved results move him up the lineup?

"It opens up that opportunity for him to play in a bit of a different situation with some different players," Dixon said. "Perhaps provide offence on a bit more consistent basis. He needs to keep taking steps towards improving his game, understanding his position, understanding his play away from the puck... he's got raw skills. He's big, strong and call really skate."

Schumacher and the Broncos are in Edmonton Wednesday against the defending Memorial Cup champions.

You can hear it on The Eagle 94.1 FM starting with our pre-game show at 7:30pm.