After spending the end of the season last year in Europe, Bradley Schoonbaert is heading back over the pond, signing with the Dundee Stars for the 2025-26 season.
Packing bags, again
“Going back to the UK, playing in the Elite Ice Hockey League with the Dundee Stars,” Schoonbaert says with a smile. “They’re based in Scotland, so it’s pretty exciting.”
Last season, Schoonbaert joined the Cardiff Devils, and he says he learned quite a lot about the EIHL, and how the league works. “I learned it’s a good league with a lot of good players. There are 15 imports allowed, so there’s a lot of Canadians and Americans, so, it’s got a North American style. Guys are a little bit older than the East Coast Hockey League, a little more experienced. It was good hockey, so I kind of know what to expect, and I can’t wait to get going.”
Right team at the right time
Choosing Dundee happened quickly and naturally, says Schoonbaert. “It was all good, the coach reached out to my agent about three weeks ago, got talks started, and it sounded like a good spot to be. I’ve heard some good things, (former MJHL player) Brendan Harms played there, and he had good things to say, so I think it’s a good fit.”
The decision to head back was an easy one for Schoonbaert. “I knew I wanted to stay in Europe,” he says confidently. “I had an opportunity to go back to the ECHL, but I wanted to back to Europe, for sure. When this opportunity came up, it was a no brainer.”
Lots to do, little time to do it
Since signing, it’s been a whirlwind for Schoonbaert, who just a few days ago, was playing baseball for the Brandon Young Guns. “It’s been crazy,” he says with a laugh. “There is a lot of logistical stuff you have to work out in a short amount of time, with passport stuff and visa’s, your equipment, and all that stuff. The last couple weeks have been filled with emails, and whatnot. Busy, but I’m starting to get everything lined up.”
Stars to the rescue
He doesn’t have to do it alone, in fact, Schoonbaert says he really doesn’t have to do much, the Stars are pro’s, and are doing a lot. “I don’t have to do anything, they book my flights, they help with my visa, they do a lot. I did have to go to Winnipeg to get some biometrics done for my passport, and send that in. Other than that, they take care of everything.”
Won’t miss to much
Always humble and low maintenance, the Brandon product says he’s not worried about missing home all that much. “Nothing’s really jumping to mind,” Schoonbaert says with his trademark chuckle. “When I lived there, I liked the culture, liked living over there. It’s nice they speak English there, so it’s not as big of an adjustment as it is in other places. It’s nice I got a few months over there, know what to expect, and I just can’t wait to get going.”
Crazy, amazing fans
Last season also opened Schoonbaert’s eyes to just how passionate all the fan bases are, with Dundee being no exception. “Like every team in the league, they’re passionate. Every night, you’re playing in front of a sold out crowd, that’s so much fun. There’s lots of social media engagement, everything there has been positive, they’re excited for me to get over there, and I can’t wait to meet the fans.”
Starting a big advantage
Starting the year in Scotland, with his team right off the hop is huge for Schoonbaert, who’s already counting down the days to the start of the year. “It’ll be so nice, for sure. To get to know the guys in August instead of January, that’s big. All the guys last year were great, but when you come in in January, guys have their bonds already, so it can be tough to get on the inside. This year, coming in fresh, I’m excited to meet the guys.”
Tied back to Pistons roots
Anybody that knows Bradley Schoonbaert knows he’s a number guy, whether it’s goalies, defenders, or forwards, he believes there are certain numbers for certain positions, and when it comes to his number this year, he’s going back to an oldie, but a goodie. “I already picked my number, there were not a tone of options, the few I wanted were taken, so I took 22. That was the number I first wore in Steinbach (Pistons), for my first year. Back to 22 this year.”
He may be feeling 22, and many Dundee Stars fans will also love seeing 22 on the scoresheet.
