Sawyer Wallin, left and Zander Wallin, right, pose in front of the TV while watching their billet brother Braden Schneider play for Team Canada. (Submitted photo/ Chad Wallin)

By Ian Gustafson

Heart of a Champion

P.A.’s Braden Schneider inspires billet brother to learn how to skate

Jan 5, 2021 | 4:19 PM

A close relationship between Prince Albert’s Braden Schneider and his billet family has inspired a young hockey fan to learn how to skate.

Schneider, who lives with the Wallin family in Brandon, Manitoba when he plays for the Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League has motivated his 12-year-old “younger brother” Zander Wallin who was born with cerebral palsy to learn how to skate.

Schneider is currently preparing ahead of tonight’s tilt between Team Canada and Team United States in the Gold Medal game of the IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton. He also scored against the Russians in the tournament semifinals to make it 4-0 in an eventual lopsided 5-0 victory to send Canada to the final.

Zander’s father Chad Wallin said Zander made it a goal for himself to learn how to skate before Braden returned home from the tournament so they could skate together.

Two days ago, Zander’s dream became a reality when he skated for the first time on their homemade ice surface. Chad said skating is something Zander wanted to do for a long time as his brother Sawyer is also an avid hockey player.

Where is Happy Charles?

Family of missing Happy Charles puts pressure on police to renew vigor into search

11h ago

Politics

Saskatchewan and Canada still at risk from tariffs, not much being done from Sask Party: NDP

11h ago

Sivertson and Obobaifo

Two Raiders prospects win AAA championships

12h ago

“A lot of our life revolves around being at the rink or watching games on TV and Zander has always been a huge hockey fan and always kind of that kid that wants to get involved and often finds himself on the sidelines just because of his limitations,” Chad explained. “It’s something he’s had in his mind for a while and I think with Braden being away at the World Juniors. This year we had the opportunity with the pandemic to put a bit of a rink at our house and it worked out well for him that it’s just steps away from the door.”

Chad and the equipment manager of the Wheat Kings Scott Hlady worked together to attach a skate blade to the bottom of Zander’s boots to help him get on the ice. Once on the ice, Chad explained it was an emotional experience for the family.

“I think there was a lot of tears floating around,” he said adding Zander had his twin brother Sawyer cheering him on.

He explained Braden has been a big part of their family since they first started billeting him as a 15-year-old four years ago and described themselves as Braden’s home away from home. Braden has a close bond with both Zander and Sawyer and is a great role model and big brother, Chad said.

“As a parent he’s that kid that you want your kids to emulate and you want them to look up to someone that carries themselves the right way and Braden is definitely that person,” Chad said.

From left to right: Sawyer Wallin, Braden Schneider, and Zander Wallin. (submitted photo/Chad Wallin)

Braden was the first person they sent the video to and Chad explained he got back to them right away and proudly cheered on Zander’s success. Zander is already looking forward to skating with Schneider after he returns from Edmonton.

“It’s one of those things where, as a parent with a son with a disability it’s pretty neat to see them finally get their moment or their chance to be a ‘normal’ kid that can go and play with their buddies,” Chad said. “I know the Schneider family as a whole. Kelly and Carmela have been huge supporters of our boys and I know they’re super proud of Zander too.”

–

Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow