Thomas Schemitsch

Hometown:

Thornhill Ontario

Team:

Florida Panthers

Currently Playing In:

CHL

Birthday:

1996-10-26
Position:

D

Eligible for draft:

2015
Shoots:

Right
Drafted:

2015
Height:

6-3
Acquired:

3rd round (88th overall), 2015
Weight:

205 lbs.
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History

2011-12: Thomas Schemitsch skated in six  games for the Mississauga Senators minor midget AAA team in Ontario — making the transition from forward to defense during the season. He was selected by Owen Sound in the fifth round (91st overall) in the 2012 OHL Priority Draft. 

2012-13: Schemitsch attended OHL training camp with Owen Sound but was released and played midget AAA hockey with the Toronto Titans in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. He appeared in five junior A games, including one playoff game, with the Toronto Patriots. He had no points nor penalties skating for the Patriots. Schemitsch scored 11 goals with 9 assists and 10 penalty minutes in 25 games for the Titans. 

2013-14: Schemitsch made the Owen Sound Attack in his second training camp; skating in 63 regular season games and five playoff contests. The younger brother of former Attack defenseman Geoffrey Schemitsch, he scored 6 goals with 11 assists and was -15 with 26 penalty minutes. Owen Sound finished fourth in the Midwest Division and lost to Sault Ste. Marie in a first-round series. Schemitsch scored 1 goal and was -1 with 2 penalty minutes in five playoff games. 

2014-15: Schemitsch had a breakout offensive season in his second year with Owen Sound, finishing ninth overall amongst OHL defensemen in points and second behind teammate Chris Bigras (Colorado) amongst Attack blue liners. He scored 14 goals with 35 assists and had an even plus/minus with 36 penalty minutes in 68 regular season games. Owen Sound finished fourth in the Midwest Division, falling to Guelph in the first round. Schemitsch had 2 assists and was -2 with 2 penalty minutes in five playoff games. He was ranked 91st amongst North American skaters in the Central Scouting final rankings and was invited to the NHL Prospects Combine. Schemitsch was selected by Florida in the third round (88th overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft. 

2015-16: Schemitsch returned to Owen Sound for his third OHL season, missing time at the beginning of the year while recuperating from a broken wrist. Second to Santino Centorame in scoring amongst Attack defensemen, he scored 9 goals with 22 assists in 51 games and was -12 with 22 penalty minutes. Owen Sound finished fourth in the Midwest Division, taking Memorial Cup-bound London to six games in a first-round playoff series. Schemitsch had 4 assists and was -11 with 2 penalty minutes in six playoff games. He played for the OHL all-stars in the Subway Series against Russia, finishing +1 with 1 assist in two games. 

Talent Analysis

Schemitsch is a tall, imposing defender whose development rate has been impressive since taking up the defense position later in his minor hockey playing days. He has great vision and can quarterback a power-play as a dual threat – his shot is just as impressive as his playmaking abilities. His 200-foot game leaves a little to be desired but given his rapid development he should continue to improve that aspect of his game.

Future

Schemitsch played for the Owen Sound Attack in 2015-16, providing leadership and supplementary scoring from the blueline. Yet to sign an entry-level contract with the Panthers, he will attend training camp looking to earn a roster spot. He will turn 20 on October 26th so he could play in the AHL in 2016017 but he may return to Owen Sound for an overage season. A big and mobile defenseman, Schemitsch projects as a solid second pairing defensemen who can contribute to the offensive attack.

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