Only 3 days after being acquired by the Surge, Bennett Schneider becomes the fastest Surge player to ever be chosen by fans as the Surge player spotlight of the week!

“This is definitely a great honor,” Bennett said about being chosen, “I love reaching out to the fans. Without them, we couldn’t be playing hockey right now. It is great getting acclimated to a new city so quickly, and so far, it’s been a real pleasure.”

While Bennett Schneider has only played two games with the Surge, the newest Surge addition comes from a winning background. In 2010, Schneider won the Eastern Junior Hockey League Championship with the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs. After the championship season, he played at Hamilton College, where he received his Bachelor’s in History with a minor in Russian Studies. In 2014, Bennett left Hamilton to play for the Pensacola Ice Flyers, where he played 26 games before joining the Surge.

The 6’3 Defenseman will suit up once again this Thursday, and take the ice in the Pensacola Civic center, this time in a Surge uniform. “It’s going to be a battle, but we’ve been in their arena before and beat them, so we can definitely do it again. We just have to stick to our team game and have confidence.” With a mischievous grin, Schneider told us he was looking forward to facing his old team. “I hope we can get a win for the fans.”

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“Big, solid, stay home D-man, moves the puck well, good first pass, and plays his size to his advantage.”
- Surge Defenseman, Bill Baker
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The American born Bennett told us he is most often referred to as ‘Schneids’ but has also been nicknamed “The Beast” by Pensacola fans due to his physical play style and intimidating presence on the ice. To this he quickly inserted, “Follow my fan page [facebook.com/BSchneider26] on facebook for the latest updates, stats, and all types of other info.” Bennett has also been affectionately branded as ‘The Chainsaw’ due to his “Snoring Problems.”

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“He’s a solid defenseman who hits really hard.”
- Surge Right Wing, Andrew Harrison
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Once in a game, Bennett’s stick hit the stanchion during warm-ups, subsequently catapulting his stick and gloves onto the ice. “That’s the most embarrassing moment I’ve had.” On a more momentous note, Schneider told us his fondest hockey career moment was being invited to the New York Islanders Rookie camp. “Yeah I was an NHL Superstar for a week.” Bennett said with an honest smile. When asked about his career influences, Bennett spoke about his family, “I owe it all to my parents. They were always there, at my best and worst. They watch every game, and always support me.” To his family, Schneider said, “Thanks for everything. I wouldn’t be here without you.”

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“He’s got a weird thing with pistachios.”
Surge Defenseman, Evan Zych
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Bennett may stay away from repeated rituals and superstitions, but the well-read college graduate has lots more for fans to learn about. In his free time, “The [Surge] Chainsaw” enjoys watching movies, working on writing projects, hanging out with Surge teammate Tom Craig, and even speaking a little Russian with Surge Left Wing and former Ice Flyers teammate, Roman Andrejev.

What would you being doing if you weren’t playing hockey? “Writing and directing movies.” Graduating from one of the top writing schools, Bennett said all he did was write, and it is what he will pursue once his hockey career is behind him.

What kind of Movies do you like? “I like to branch out, watch Oscar winners or Indie movies.

What is one thing you couldn’t live without? “My phone.” Although he doesn’t play candy crush or harass people with invites from Farmville, The Surge Beast likes to check the news, stay in touch with his friends both nationally and internationally, and keep tabs on his instagram feed.

What kind of music do you listen to? “I like classic rock. I have a lot of Pink Floyd songs on my phone.”

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“He speaks highly of himself.”
- Surge Left Wing, Kyle Kudroch
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Some random facts about Schneid’s:
He can dead-lift 500lbs in the summertime. “I’m at my prime in the summertime, it’s when I have free time and work out a lot.”

He is the oldest of two, with a younger sister, who also plays hockey. “She’s a forward, the scorer in the family.”

He enjoys skydiving, doesn’t mind snakes, and enjoys chocolate chip cookies. “They have to be the right kind of chocolate chip cookies though. Good chocolate chunks, not too hard, not too soft.”

He enjoys shopping. “I like being fashionable.”

He can allegedly consume an entire 64oz steak, including an appetizer and side items. “I should join a professional eating league.”

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“He comes into my room late at night.”
- Surge Center, Justin MacDonald
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Fan Questions: Polly asks: Are you single? “I currently have a girlfriend.”

After sadly departing from his interview, Bennett turned to say, “I gave away more information about myself just now than I probably ever have in an interview.”

And that’s why this week, WE GOT TO KNOW BENNETT SCHNEIDER.

Don’t forget to like Bennett “The Beast” Schneider on facebook.com/BSchneider26 and the Surge on facebook.com/gosurge. Tell us which player you want to know more about and what you want to know at http://goo.gl/LbL3tX and tune in next week to learn more about your favorite Surge players!