Beau Schmitz – the “country boy” captain

By Matt Mackinder –

Whether he’s on the ice playing in the Ontario Hockey League or hunting in the woods, Beau Schmitz has his eyes on the prize.

An avid outdoorsman, the Plymouth Whalers’ captain and Howell native can often be found away from Compuware Arena in a deer blind waiting for an eight-point buck to come strolling by or on a small boat hoping to reel in dinner.

“I get out as much as I can,” said the 20-year-old Schmitz. “My billets understand and my family’s property is only about 40 minutes from my billet house. Being outdoors takes me away from hockey and sometimes, that’s what I need.”

While most kids his age are into video games or other technology involving the use of thumbs, Schmitz is the exception. In fact, he’s taken several of his Plymouth teammates out for a trek in the woods over the years.

“It’s funny because they just kind of stand there with their mouths open while I gut a deer,” laughed Schmitz. “They just can’t believe what I’m doing. Even at the rink, I get ribbed pretty badly. I’m that guy showing up to practice in camo. It’s just who I am.”

Schmitz said one similarity between the outdoors and hockey is the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment each gives him.

“Getting a buck to me is just as good as winning a championship,” he said. “Most people don’t understand when I say that, but it’s true. I shot a buck recently and my family came and celebrated and it was a pretty big event.”

Hunting has been in Schmitz’s blood literally since birth. When his father was younger, he trespassed onto neighboring land to hunt and those neighbors wound up being his future in-laws. Even when Schmitz’s mother was pregnant more than 20 years ago, she was out hunting and experiencing the outdoors.

“It’s a funny story, but that’s how I was named,” said Schmitz. “My mom was a bow hunter and it just kind of made sense, I guess, to name me Beau. It’s a pretty cool story, I think.”

The epitome of what the term “country boy” means, Schmitz grew up on his grandfather’s farm and from a young age, was outside from dawn until dusk taking care of the cattle and other farming duties. To be able to handle such chores on a daily basis is something Schmitz feels molded him into who he is today.

“Looking back, it’s obvious to me that all that hard work created a work ethic that is paying off in hockey,” Schmitz explained. “It was easier to find time to do both (be outside and play hockey) when I was a kid, but now, it’s a little bit more challenging. We sometimes have a day off during the week and if we do, I’m up a tree or on the lake. Even after practice, I’m off to the woods until it gets dark. Hockey is like a business at this level and sometimes, you just need a break and need to get away.”

On the ice, the Whalers have had a streaky roller coaster start to the season. As the one who wears the ‘C,’ Schmitz takes ownership of the team and is the one looked to for leadership.

“I’ve been here four years and whenever we hit a rough patch, we always come out of it,” said Schmitz. “The coaches see what’s happening and make whatever adjustments they need to make. (Plymouth coach) Mike (Vellucci) finds a way to bring the team together year after year. We have some new faces and once everyone gets comfortable with their role on this team and sticks to it, we’ll be fine. It’s nothing to worry about.

“As captain, I just go out and lead by example. I’ve learned that if the guys see me doing something in practice or in a game, they’ll take note and figure that if I’m doing it, then they should be, too. Being captain is a big responsibility, but I think I’m doing a good job.”

Looking ahead short-term, the Whalers have a busy schedule that Schmitz said “doesn’t get any easier as the weeks go by.”

“I’ve learned that not only do you have to have the physical side down to play in the OHL, but you need to be mentally ready day-in and day-out,” Schmitz said. “The pace of the game starts in practice and we have to carry that over to the games. If we do that on a consistent basis, we should be fine and should be a team to beat.”

And if he finds time to get out before the end of deer season, that’s just the icing on the cake, or rather, the gravy on the meat.