By Mike Stackhouse /

You can forgive Humboldt fans if they take twin brothers Scott and Steve Schroeder 
for granted.

Forget the fact they are twins playing in the SJHL, which is an accomplishment all 
to itself.

But the Schroeders have played an integral role since Day 1, three seasons ago.

Broncos fans have likely figured out how to differentiate between the two long ago, but the best way for casual fans to remember is the Even Steven-Odd Scott method. Steve wears an even number (10) and Scott an odd one (7).

“We’ve heard that all through minor hockey,” jokes Scott.

Broncos head coach Dean Brockman said he enjoys having the twins on his squad.

“The novelty act for me never wears off,” Brockman says. “They are two quality kids and a pleasure for me to work with. They both bring a lot to the table and yet they are two very separate identities.

“Each kid is his own personality. Steve is the quieter of the two and his approach is such that when he says something in the dressing room, everybody stops what they’re doing 
and listens.

“Scott is quite a bit more outgoing and isn’t afraid to speak his mind at all. As twins go, they are very much alike. But they are also very different from one another when you look at how they play the game and their approach.”

Scott says he always has someone to 
lean on.

“In a way, I think being twins has taken a lot of pressure of us as individuals,” says Scott. “People are so interested in the fact we are twins playing in the SJHL that they almost forgive us if we are not being real good SJHL players. It is hard to make it this far as twins and then to play well as twins, I think it is just an added accomplishment.”

Scott has endured serious injuries to his quad and shoulder, the first of which cost him an opportunity to help his team overcome Selkirk in the 2007 ANAVET Cup.

It was a series the Broncos ultimately lost in seven games.

He also dealt with a chronic shoulder problem that required surgery over the summer. But he recovered enough to finish second on the team in scoring with 66 points and was named a finalist for the Graham Christie Award, which goes to the player who provides inspirational leadership and dedication to teammates on and off the ice.

Scott appreciated the recognition.

“It was a nice pat on the back to know I was doing it right,” he says. “I worked hard and stayed in Humboldt all summer to get into condition so I could have a good year.

“I had times when I really wondered if I would be the player that I hoped to be.”

To say it was a good year may have been an understatement as he was given SJHL All-Team status.

Scott says Steve is the smarter player of the two and distributes the puck better. 

“I go more off instinct and muck it out,” 
he says.

Both have options to continue hockey in the NCAA next fall. Steve admits his appetite to continue playing exceeded Scott’s, although Scott has caught up.

“If it works out, great. If it doesn’t, I think I will go to school and take up carpentry,” 
Steve says.

“Schools seem to be interested in both of us and, to me, that makes the most sense. We are better players together than we are separated,” adds Scott.