(September 27, 2018) Collin Schuck has spent the past four years in junior hockey patiently honing his play-by-play craft. Now comes the payoff. An STAA member, Schuck is the new Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL.
“When I started my path, I told prospective employers that my five-year goal was to work for a professional hockey team. Now, heading into year five, I’ve hit that goal,” Schuck smiles. “I’ve taken on new challenges with each organization, and this is no different.”
Schuck spent last winter with the Lincoln Stars after three seasons with the Corpus Christi IceRays. He credits those teams for providing him with the chance to learn and grow on and off the air.
“I owe so much of where I’m headed to both of those organizations as well as the North American Hockey League and United States Hockey League. Their belief and importance on development both on and away from the ice is a big part of my ability to grow and be successful.”
Building a hockey broadcasting career is often a marathon versus a sprint. “Patience is everything. Hard work does pay off in the end,” says Schuck. “Most importantly, you will be where you need to be at the right time for you. A lot of this falls in line with patience but realizing that things have a funny way of lining up to benefit your goals and skills goes a long way to those nights where it feels like the grind is never ending and rewards feel slim.”
Schuck learned about the Steelheads opening from an ECHL contact who has a good relationship with outgoing broadcaster Bryan McCormack. “I’m lucky to have built great relationships with different broadcasters and media members, and that networking paid off.
“I’ve learned a lot of life lessons over the last four years, but I’ll never forget that I’m on my own path and my own timetable. It’ll be different from the one you plan for and different from everyone else around you, and that’s okay. Embrace it, be comfortable with discomfort, and enjoy the ride. Just like athletes, you never know when your journey will come to an end.”
(Visit Collin’s website).