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Take 5 with Lewy's Legion - Tim Schurman

January 19, 2011 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Lewiston MAINEiacs News Release


Tim Schurman is currently in his second season in the Lewiston MAINEiacs' organization. Schurman first came to Lewiston as an advanced scout, before being promoted to his current roles of Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development. Tim was born in Summerside, PEI. He attended Saint Thomas University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work. Schurman is also in his fourth season as an amateur scout, covering the QMJHL for the New York Islanders. Tim and his wife Ashley currently live in Lewiston.

As a Canadian, was hockey in your blood before you were born

I definitely think it was. Maybe not as much from being a Canadian and more from being where I am from in PEI. When you look deep into the history of hockey in PEI you don't have to look far to find hometown heroes and people you dream of being like, such as Gerard Gallant, Forbie Kennedy, Doug MacLean, Errol Thompson, just to name a few. I was also very fortunate to grow up in a family that was always connected and it was passed from generation to generation. My Great Grandfather, Herbert, and Grandfather, Layton, were always involved and my father has always been around the game in one capacity or another. It just seems like a natural fit.

You attended Saint Thomas University, where you earned a degree in social work. Why social work

I think I get the social work side of me more from my mother who has always been attached to public service. Part of the reason I pursued social work was to work with kids-teenagers. I really enjoy being around kids and trying to help them find their path. The kids that I have been able to work with are some of the most resilient people I have ever met and they have taught me a lot about pushing on when times are tough.

Once you finished playing, how important was it to you that you remained in hockey

When I finished playing I took some time off from the game and pursued my studies. I was never the hardest working guy in school but I decided to dedicate my time and energy into obtaining my degree. I followed the Wildcats very closely and just began to follow players again. Once I started, I couldn't stop and I knew that I had to get back in.

Along with your MAINEiacs' duties, you have worked as a scout for the Islanders. Talk about your role, and give us a sneak peak of what goes on in preparation for the NHL Entry Draft.

With the Islanders I worked very closely with Mario Saraceno preparing our list of QMJHL players for the draft. After many viewings of the players and once it was decided that a player had what we are looking for on the ice, we moved to the off- ice testing and fact gathering portion. This was very important for the organization. Players would be required to complete a psychological test and we would gather info from coaches, billets, teachers, etc. The NHL draft is much like the QMJHL draft in the way teams prepare for them. Teams prepare their lists and go over prospective players over and over again, looking for the best fit for their team. There is really no down time during draft week as you try to fit in countless meeting with your staff, go over prospective players and trades. In both leagues you are trying to do everything you can to make our team better in both the short term and in the future.

Although there are more staff members in the NHL, are the drafts and trade deadlines approached in similar fashions in the QMJHL and NHL

In both cases, the teams are looking to do whatever they can to improve their club. With the million dollar salaries in the NHL, that obviously creates a little bit of a different. In the QMJHL, we have to try to make the best moves we can to ensure that we will continue to offer a good product on the ice.

What made Lewiston such an appealing fit for you, especially with you having work experience in the NHL

Lewiston was an up and coming team that had some recent struggles. It was a great time to get involved in a team that was going through a rebuilding process and knowing how much Mr. Just likes to win, I thought it would be a quick rebuilding process. It was a fantastic time to get involved and learn very quickly on my feet the management role in hockey. Roger and I have similar thoughts on players and what we look for in players so that was also a good fit.

While everyone knows about trades and free agency, what does your role include on a day-to-day basis

We spend a lot of time on any issues that may spring up with any of our players, from school, billets, family, etc. I also spend a lot of time on the road scouting tournaments/games to prepare for the upcoming draft and potential trades. There is also a lot of paperwork that has to be handled with the league in hockey operations. When I have the chance I also like to get out on the ice with the players and both of our coaches, which has been a lot of fun. We have been holding extra ice sessions recently over in Auburn as well focusing on skill development, which has also been fun. We have a very good coaching staff and I just like to be around them and pitch in when I can, whether it is working with a player or pushing pucks into a corner.

Talk about the excitement you felt this summer when you found out your dad was joining the organization.

I knew when he was coming that he would do everything he could do to make this team work in the Lewiston-Auburn area. The work he has done speaks for itself. It is also nice to see him a little more as we haven't really been in the same city for the last 10 or more years.

On the ice, how proud are you of the product that the staff has put together on the ice this year, and realistically, how deep can you see this team going in the playoffs

Every time we hit the ice, whether it is practice or a game I have almost like a 'wow' moment. We have come so far in such a short period of time. I am very proud of what everyone has done and what they are doing to push forward. We have proven that we can beat the best in this league and we have consistently been around the top of the standings. I really feel that we have a great group of kids and staff. Our goal is to win the presidents cup this year.

-DJ Abisalih



Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from January 19, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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