A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Plum’s Rylan Schoonover

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, November 4, 2024 | 2:48 PM

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For Plum hockey coach Jon Gratton, it is nice to have a calming influence for a team that has struggled out of the gate the past couple of seasons.

Last year, the Mustangs started 2-4 before rallying to make the Penguins Cup playoffs, and this year, they have gotten off to an 0-4 start against three playoff teams.

But the one thing Gratton can count on is what he gets out of senior forward Rylan Schoonover night-in and night-out.

“He’s really the full package,” said Gratton. “He can shoot, pass, skate and can do it all at a high level. He’s got a passion for the game and a high level of competitiveness. What’s impressive to me is his consistency.”

The production might not be there right now as Schoonover, who was second on the team in scoring last year with 24 points, has zero points through his team’s first four games, one of which Schoonover missed because of injury.

“It stunk that it was at the beginning of the year,” Schoonover said. “The first few games back were more difficult than they should have been, but I’m hoping the next couple of games are better.”

A good sign for Schoonover is he started slowly last year, scoring two points in his team’s first eight games before exploding for 22 points in the last 12 games. So he knows he can turn it around.

“That led to a boost in confidence leading into this season,” Schoonover said. “I don’t have any points through four games, but I know it can turn around, and I believe it will just like last year, just, hopefully, sooner rather than later.”

Schoonover’s turnaround will happen because of his positive attitude and outlook, which as an alternate captain, he has tried to instill in his team.

“I think we had high hopes coming into the season and I still think we do,” Schoonover said. “The team has stuck together, which is a good thing. I think we’re going to start heading in the right direction.”

Schoonover took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

What was it like to make the playoffs last year, and how are you going to get back this season?

It put a lot of confidence in us coming into this season. Plum hockey didn’t make the playoffs for at least three or four years. We just have to continue to work hard, trust that the process will get us back there this season.

Is it hard to keep a positive outlook during a losing streak, or do you stay the course knowing hockey is full of swings like this and you’ll be back on the winning side?

You have to keep a positive attitude. In our loss to Blackhawk, we outshot them 48-30. Even though we’re 0-4, we’re still playing good, solid hockey.

What was something the team needed to work on coming into this season?

Coach Gratton harped on us this offseason because we never ran our forecheck last year the way we were supposed to. We’re starting to trust his process, and it’s really been working well. We’re getting more offensive zone time and more shots on net than we did this time last year.

What do you do to get into the zone or focus for a game?

On my first shift, I like to give out a big hit or take a hit because it locks me in, gets me ready to go.

Are you superstitious, and do you have a pregame routine?

I tried being superstitious. I think that whenever I just go out and play or just do whatever I feel like doing, I feel that’s when I play my best.

What lessons have you learned from playing sports?

To never give up. You never know what’s going to happen, so you need to play out the whole game. Anything can happen in sports.

Who inspires you the most?

My grandfather. He’s always pushing me to be my best and makes sure I’m always working hard.

Favorite high school memory so far?

My first ever game on Plum. I scored the game winner against Westmont Hilltop to open the season 1-0.

Post high school plans?

I got accepted to Pitt and enrolled a month ago. I’m still undecided on what I want to study.

Do you plan on playing hockey for them?

Yeah, I’m going to go out for their club team next year.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Time really does fly and you’re not going to believe it when you’re a senior and almost done with high school.

Tags: Plum