Duncan Schneider back home with Trenton Golden Hawks

OJHL Images / Shawn Muir

When Duncan Schneider joined the Trenton Golden Hawks this season, it felt like a natural fit for the Belleville native. The 20-year-old defenceman grew up in the community, developed through the Quinte Red Devils system, and has a strong connection to the area, including CFB Trenton.

“It’s been amazing to come back home,” Schneider said. “Living close to family, seeing familiar faces, and being part of a team with such high aspirations. It’s everything I hoped for.”

Through 20 games, Schneider has two goals, four points, and was recently named to the OJHL’s U Sports 20-Year-Old Showcase.

Being back home, Schneider also values the unique connection between the Golden Hawks and local military personnel.

“They put their lives on the line for us, and it gives us a culture, a family environment. It makes you want to play harder and be better.”

Before coming to the Golden Hawks, Schneider played junior with the Cobourg Cougars and spent parts of four seasons in the OHL with Kingston and Sarnia, facing some of the country’s top young talent.

“Playing with NHL talent and against it helps you so much more than you realize. You learn about being a man, being a person, and being a contributing member of society.”

Named an alternate captain to start the season, Schneider has embraced the leadership role and responsibility on a Golden Hawks team sitting 18-6-0-2 and nationally ranked after last year’s Buckland Cup championship.

“It means a lot to me,” he said. “I wore an ‘A’ in Cobourg last year. I want to help everyone, see people succeed. That’s the role I bring, and I try to teach the younger guys.”

Trenton has reached the championship series three straight seasons and expects to contend again. Schneider, who once faced the Hawks in the playoffs, knows why the program is so consistent.

“All I want to do is win,” he said. “It’s part of the reason I came here. It’s a gut-wrenching feeling to lose.”

That mindset comes from home.

“Something my dad always said was work hard, have fun, always try to improve,” Schneider said. “They all go hand in hand.”