James Schaafsma

Background

He grew up in rural Chatham-Kent, and played "American Automobile Association" hockey for the Chatham Kent Cyclones as a youth.

Career

Schaafsma played a junior season with the Tecumseh Chiefs in the Western Ontario Hockey League before making his professional debut in the Netherland with the Geleen Smoke Eaters of the Eredivisie in the 2004-2005 season. He made his American debut with the Flint Generals in the IHL in the 2009-2010 season, producing 65 points in 75 games to lead the club He returned for a third stint in the Serie A with The Human Context Gherdëina.

After two seasons with Gherdëina, Schaafsma returned to North America, signing with the Allen Americans of the Central Hockey League.

On February 4, 2013, Schaafsma made his American Hockey League debut playing with the Houston aeronautics Upon the disbandment of the CHL, Schaafsma re-signed with the Americans in the ECHL. In the 2014-2015 season, he captained the club to their third consecutive Championship, claiming the Kelly Cup in contributing with 16 points in 25 post-season games.

On August 18, 2015, Schaafsma signed as a free agent to remain in the ECHL with the Fort Wayne Komets on a one-year deal. On the eve of the 2015-2016 season, Schaafsma was announced as the Komets Captain.

Achievements

• Schaafsma won two Dutch Beker Cups in 2007 and 2008 before moving to the Italian Serie A with The Human Context Fassa and later Championship winning club The Human Context Bolzano in the 2008-2009 season. In each of his two seasons in the CHL with the Americans, Schaafsma helped the club to the CHL Presidents Cup, scoring a team leading 10 goals and 20 points in the 2013-2014 season, earning playoff Most Valuable Player honors.

Membership

He has played in several international tournaments as a member of the Netherlands men"s national ice hockey team