Aschim relishes rookie role with hockey Dogs
If there’s a hockey Dog who doesn’t need to attend obedience school, it’s Sean (Crash ’em) Aschim.
As a rookie on the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, Aschim was ready for anything this season. He was prepared to sit. He was prepared to play. He was even prepared to redshirt, if need be.
Aschim, who played in both the Western Hockey League and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, has come in handy for the U of S men’s hockey team, which has gone from a surplus of forwards last season to a shortage.
U of S coach Dave Adolph says that Aschim, just like his older brother, defenceman Kyle Aschim, is “zero maintenance,” and that there’s always room for guys like that.
He is among the most appreciative players, accepting his rookie role.
“You’ve got to be thankful for what you’ve got,” says Aschim, a 21-year-old Saskatoon product who played for the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders, Kelowna Rockets, Moose Jaw Warriors and Seattle Thunderbirds, along with the SJHL’s Melfort Mustangs and Melville Millionaires.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to be here. Coming in, I didn’t expect to get much ice at all. It turned out that (Adolph) did need me to play and, when I do get in, I try and contribute as best I can. When I don’t get in, I understand it’s a situation that I’m in.
“It’s a team game, so I can’t be a squeaky wheel.”
Aschim has filled in where he can, scoring four goals and an assist in 21 games.
“I came here because I wanted to come to school and I knew I’d have an opportunity to be a part of this club, whether it’d be a redshirt or not,” he says. “With that being said, I just got lucky with the situation that I’m in.”
Aschim was a highly touted bantam and midget hockey player who played for Team West at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
“There are lots of kids that things didn’t go their way in junior hockey, can’tmiss kids at age 16 and 17,” Adolph says. “Sean Aschim has never complained about any of the lot he’s got.
“Zero maintenance. He’s there when you need him. He’s on the bench and he’ll do whatever you ask him to do. He just wants to be a Huskie until he gets his commerce degree, Edwards School of Business degree, and good on him.
“Kyle’s no different. Smart kids. Real bright futures in the business world. Their parents should be proud.”
Aschim says he has learned a lot from his older teammates, whether it has to do with school or even on the ice.
“I’ve definitely learned some life skills and all that,” he says. “Definitely the time management thing is big with the education part.
“Kyle’s been a big help. He’s kind of shown me the ropes a bit, especially as good a student as he is.
“It’s the first time that Kyle and I have gotten to play together. It’s a real treat.”
Adolph says he expects the younger Aschim to be an asset for years to come “in some way, shape and form in the next few years.
“Anything can happen for him in a positive way.”