This past week, voice of the Bobcats, Brandon Luisi, caught up with former Bobcat Captain, Austin Schwartz.
Schwartz appeared in 109 games for Bismarck where he tallied 18 goals and 32 assists for a total of 50 points over the course of two full seasons. Schwartz was a captain in the 2020-21 season, and mentioned what it was like to lead a locker room full of guys in what was a challenging COVID season. “We had a special group and I had a special time in Bismarck, just loved every second of it. We had an interesting year, the year I was a captain there. Dealing with lots of trades, lots of guys coming down from the USHL and from Canada, and just a lot of moving parts.”
Schwartz, following his junior hockey career, went on to play at the Air Force Academy (D1), where he just finished up his senior season. While the end goal wasn’t reached for the team, Schwartz won his 2nd straight AHA Defensive Forward of the Year, while also captaining the Air Force squad this season. “We have a special group every year. The way we have to recruit here to get guys to come, not only to serve your country, go to a really hard academic school, but play Division 1 hockey, it takes a special person to come here. Each guy is special,” Schwartz mentioned.
Schwartz finished out his interview with a message back to the fans of Bismarck. “I’m so thankful for everyone out there in the Bobcat community. From the billets, to the fans, to the support staff at the VFW, it’s just been unbelievable to, even as an alumni, watch the games and keep up with the boys. I don’t know anyone on the team now, but once you’re a Bobcat, you’re always a Bobcat. To have that pride, I still wear my shirts around. People ask what it is and to get to explain how an amazing city in the middle of North Dakota is, people think that’s awesome. It’s a testament to how the people are in North Dakota,” Schwartz said.
For the full interview between Brandon Luisi and Austin Schwartz, hit the play button below!