Graduating Senior Q&A: Eight players a big part of Griffins' transformation from CW newbie to playoff team

Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – Settle in for an invigorating, lengthy read on the largest graduating senior class by a MacEwan Griffins team in years.

The MacEwan men's hockey team will celebrate eight graduating players before they host the Calgary Dinos on Saturday (5 p.m., Downtown Community Arena, Canada West TV).

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Sean Comrie, Marc Pasemko, Hunter Donohoe, Loeden Schaufler, Brett Epp, Spencer McLean, Ryley Appelt and Liam Ryan are all playing in the final home regular season game of their MacEwan careers.

Head coach Zack Dailey said they will be missed as they form a good portion of the very first recruiting class in the Griffins' Canada West history.

"Obviously, the guys who have been around here the longest, they're kind of the first group to take a chance on our program," said Dailey. "So, they were here for the first year in U SPORTS. A lot of guys had Western League experience and had a lot of options to go to other places, but they chose to take the hard path and try to build something, and I think they've done a fantastic job of leaving our program in a much better spot than it was when they joined. Not to say things weren't good before – Mike (Ringrose, former Griffins bench boss) did a fantastic job with our group. But just a new program into U SPORTS. We were at the bottom of the barrel and we've worked our way to being a competitive program. So, I'm just proud of these guys just taking the hard road.

"Everything we've had to do over the years has been tough. There have been no easy days. I think that they should be proud of where they've left this program. I know they're going to be successful humans outside hockey because they're good humans and they're willing to do the hard things."

Enjoy a Q&A with all eight players in the order listed above:

Defenceman Sean Comrie earned the 'C' in his final season in 2024-25 after previously being an assistant captain for the Griffins (Rebecca Chelmick photo).

Sean Comrie

(2021-25)

Zack Dailey's coach's quote:

"Just an all-around great person, great human being, as well as a great player. He's been a great leader for us before he had the 'C' in terms of his play on the ice. But specifically, this year with a semi-young team, I think he's done a great job of just leading by example and setting the tone. In school, he's a really good student, the way he treats people, he's a really good teammate, and how he plays the game, he just does everything correctly and is a really good hockey player. He's a very important leader for our program and he's going to be missed, for sure."

Q&A with Sean Comrie

What are you graduating with and when?

I'm going to be graduating with a supply chain management degree in the spring.

Do you have a career goal in mind?

Not really. I think most of the positions fresh out of university are junior buyer positions in supply chain, which is something I'd be interested in, but I'm hoping to play a year or two of pro hockey.

That was my next question – do you plan to play hockey after you finish at MacEwan. What are your options?

Not too sure, but I'm looking to go over to Europe and play somewhere over there.

You've been team captain this year. What's that experience been like?

It's been good. We have a lots of older guys. There are a lot of voices in the room, so it makes it pretty easy on me.

When you look back at your time with the Griffins, what stands out for your favourite memories?

I think getting stuck in Vancouver for a few days in my second year – that was a fun time. Then, going to playoffs last year was obviously super exciting. Hopefully, we take it a step further this year and win in the playoffs.

That was the airline travel issue?

Yes

And the whole team was stuck in Vancouver?

The whole team was stuck for two days and then there was a group – I wasn't in it – of six or seven guys that were stuck for an additional day. It was good team bonding being in Vancouver getting to hang out full time and not having to worry about getting on the ice. It was fun.

Is there a goal you've scored that stands out to you?

I think scoring at U of A this year. I haven't scored there and I'm from Edmonton and had a bunch of friends and family in the stands. Probably that one.

When you look back on how you'd like to be remembered with the Griffins, what's your legacy here?

I think me and along with the other guys who came here right at the beginning, we came here and it was kind of unknown how the team was going to do going into U SPORTS. I think just building a team that's consistently making playoffs and doesn't settle for anything less than competing with the top teams that have already been established in this league for so long. I think that's ultimately the legacy that I and the other guys wanted to create.

Zack said you guys had other options, but you wanted to come here and build something. How proud are you of having done that?

We're all super proud. Another reason (we came) is we all knew each other, and we wanted to go somewhere we could all play together. I've met lots of good friends here, too. I'm proud and hope it continues in the future.

Is there anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

I hope that the culture we created continues and I hope that eventually we can be one of the top teams in the league and not just settle for where we're at right now.

Marc Pasemko is going out with some of his best hockey as he's currently leading the Griffins in scoring (Rebecca Chelmick photo).

Marc Pasemko

(2022-25)

Zack Dailey's coach's quote:

"I think he battled some injuries the past two seasons, so he was in and out of the lineup. It's hard to get a flow going when you're in and out. This year, he's been healthy, so just getting into a groove has been great for him, and he's just been exceptional for us. He's led offensively, but he doesn't cheat the game at all. He plays it the right way. He's physical, he blocks shots, he plays on the PK. He's the best student on the team, as well, with a 3.9 GPA, so he is like the epitome of what we want the people to be in our program. We want good students, we want people who do things correctly, treat others with respect and perform on the ice. He's done all of that and has been a leader for us offensively, and in terms of work ethic, as well."

Q&A with Marc Pasemko

What are you going to be graduating with and when?

I'll be graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in accounting in the spring.

Do you have a career goal in mind?

I want to design and build custom homes. That's my end career goal. I'm big into design, so I might go do a Masters in architecture to design houses. Then, at some point, start designing and building them.

Do you have plans to keep playing hockey after this?

I'm hoping to play pro in Europe for a few years – see how the first year goes. 

You're having a terrific final season here, leading the team in scoring. To what do you attribute your success at the end of your university career?

I think it's just a culmination of all the hard work I've put into it at this point. Everything is going right right now, and my teammates have done a great job to put me in the positions – my coaches, too. So, it's just a culmination of hard work over the year and right situation.

Zack also points out that you're the team's leader in the classroom with a 3.9 GPA. How much pride to do you take in leading the way academically?

Ever since I was young, my parents have forced me to study hard and those habits have continued on within my university career. I take pride in having a good GPA and good marks to hopefully set myself up best for whatever I do in the future.

What stands out to you as some of your favourite memories over your time with the Griffins?

Some of the road trips. We got stuck in Vancouver for about a week my first year. At that time, it was a bad situation, but when you look back on it, we just got to hang out for a few extra days as a team and not really have to worry about hockey or school.

Playing in playoffs is also something that sticks out to me. That was a great accomplishment for our team and finally getting there was awesome, even though we didn't get the results we wanted.

And I'd probably say beating U of A was a great experience this year. I don't want to put too much emphasis into beating one team in a regular season game, but I've got some buddies over there and we'd only beaten them once before that in my tenure.

And just coming to the rink every day, seeing my teammates and hanging out. These are some of the memories I'll probably cherish the rest of my life.

What would you like to be remembered for when you leave this program? What's your legacy here?

I would like to be remembered as someone who showed up every day and put the work in – someone who led by example and someone that guys can reach out to in the future if they ever need any advice or just someone to talk to.

Is there anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

There were lots of ups and downs, but I think moments and events build character within yourselves and your teammates. The year's not over, but obviously, in previous years I would have wanted to win a bit more. But all those experiences shaped me for how I will be in the future, so no regrets.

Hunter Donohoe recently broke the program record for the most assists by a Griffin in a Canada West season (Rebecca Chelmick photo).

Hunter Donohoe

(2021-25)

Zack Dailey's coach's quote:

"Hunter has been great for us, not just this year, but especially this year when I think he's established himself as one of the top defencemen in the league. He has always had offensive flair. I think he's been a great defender for us since he started. He's always had the offensive skill, I just don't think he used that at the appropriate times. It seems he's put it all together this year and is making very good decisions and has given himself a chance to play professional hockey next year just because of how good he's been this year. Definitely the defence has been a strength of our team and it's in large part because of these guys who are graduating. Their development, their effort and commitment to being good every day."

Q&A with Hunter Donohoe

What are you going to be graduating with and when?

I'm graduating this spring with a Commerce degree, majoring in Supply Chain Management.

What your career goal. Do you have one in mind?

Not particularly. I worked a sales internship last summer, but with a supply chain major, maybe something in the supply chain industry. It's in a lot of demand right now.

Do you have plans to keep playing hockey after this?

I'd like to. Growing up and hopefully having a family one day, being able to tell your kids that you played pro hockey would be pretty special, so hopefully I'm able to continue playing.

You're having a terrific season in your last year with all those assists – you broke the program single Canada West season assists record. What does that mean to you to have the year you're having this year?

It's obviously a special year. We have a great group of guys. It's a lot of assists, so it's a credit to a lot of my teammates for making plays. For me, individually, it definitely feels good.

That's probably setting you up well for pro.

Obviously when you put up numbers, it looks good on paper. Being able to support that offensive play with some of the intangible numbers that aren't seen with defensive play, I'm hoping coaches will see that.

What are some of your favourite memories from your time as a Griffin?

Obviously, making the playoffs so early into the program's U SPORTS era is pretty special. Just the whole process of university with practising during the week and playing games on the weekend, you spend a lot of time with your teammates going on the road and flying. Just the whole process is a lot of fun and it really has flown by.

What stands out to you for how you'd like to be remembered in the program? What's your legacy here?

I'm hopeful everyone remembers that I was a good teammate – having fun on and off the ice with the guys. When we came into the program, it was pretty raw, in a sense. There wasn't a lot of infrastructure, so each year it's gotten better and better. Developing a winning program and becoming better players and a better team because of it.

How did you guys do that? From your group that came in with obviously lots of additions, how did you guys get from there to here?

That's a pretty tough question. But I think just staying consistent. I think we all believed in ourselves when we were doubted. Just having the other pieces – having Mel (Lowe) in (for strength and conditioning), Dales getting more experience as a head coach, it's just been evolving over the years. Then bringing in some players who help the program and work hard, it just seems to be building each year.

Do you have anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

It's been a ton of fun. The school's great. It's right downtown and you're kind of in the hotspot of Edmonton here. I just hope we've left the program in a good spot, and it can keep developing as the years come.

After a terrific offensive season from the blue line in 2023-24, Loeden Schaufler has grown his game defensively this season and is a key all-around player for MacEwan (Rebecca Chelmick photo).

Loeden Schaufler

(2021-25)

Zack Dailey's coach's quote:

"Schaufs is a fantastic human as well. The thing with all of these kids graduating is they're such good people. That's probably what I'm going to miss. Schaufs is a favourite in the locker-room. The guys love him and he's a really great teammate. He had a great season last year for us offensively. Over the summer, we had some chats, and I actually challenged him to be a little bit better defensively. So, this year maybe his offensive numbers are down a little bit, but I think his complete package is much better than it was last year. Our team is winning more because of that and he's a big part of it. He plays big minutes for us. I don't think he's getting some of the bounces he got last year. I think his shooting percentage was pretty outrageous last year. But again, I'm really happy with how he's playing this year. I'm impressed with how he took feedback and applied it this year. All-around as a hockey player, he's a better player than he was last year."

Q&A with Loeden Schaufler

What are you going to be graduating with and when?

I have two classes left after this semester and I'll be graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce, major in management.

Do you have a career goal in mind?

I'm not really sure what that's going to entail. I might do my Masters following this, but I'm not too sure yet.

Do you have any plans to keep playing hockey?

Yeah, I do. I'll just see what happens. I'd like to go overseas, but I'm not too sure. I might have to play in North America before I do that.

What are some of your favourite memories from your time with the Griffins?

I think last year was a big one – making the playoffs. When we clinched in Manitoba, it was pretty special for our group. Especially from what we came from in our first year only having three wins. So, to make playoffs in our third year was pretty special.

You had a great offensive year last season, but Zack is saying you're an even better all-around defenceman this year. How do you see it?

I think I found my offensive game last year and this year I just wanted to play a game that translates over to pro really well. I know I'm not going to get those offensive opportunities right away as a first-year pro, so I wanted to be better defensively and be more reliable in all situations. Certainly, next year, whatever that entails, I can jump into any role."

What would you like to be remembered for over your time with the Griffins? What's your legacy here?

I think within my teammates, I think I have a good, close relationship with all the guys. So, a good teammate would be one of them.

Do you have anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

I'm glad I chose MacEwan. It really worked out for me – school and hockey. I got a good chance to play right off the hop. The group that I came in with, we all finished in four years, basically. So, it was a pretty special group.

You were the first group in the program's Canada West era. It's kind of special what you guys have helped build, isn't it?

Where our program is now from where it was in our first year, a lot of the guys that are graduating, especially last year as well, built that and made MacEwan more of a destination for people to come and play at.

A transfer from Nipissing University, Brett Epp brought stability, talent and a veteran presence to the Griffins crease in his final university season (Rebecca Chelmick photo). 

Brett Epp

(2024-25)

Zack Dailey's coach's quote:

"He's been really good for us. I think he's been great for his goalie partners, as well – just a guy with a lot of experience to bounce ideas off of and talk to. In net, he's just given us a chance to win every time he's stepped on the ice. That was our expectation bringing him in. He's someone who was quite motivated and wanted to prove he could still play. I think he's done that and has given us a chance to win every time he's been in the net."

Q&A with Brett Epp

You already have a degree from Nipissing University, prior to transferring here for your last season. What's that in?

Psychology degree.

Do you have a career goal in mind?

I'm actually starting my Masters' of Psychology in May. It's through Yorkville University. It's in New Brunswick, but it's just an online format.

What are you aiming to become some day?

Right now, I'm leaning towards sports psychology, but I'm open to becoming just a regular registered psychologist. But I really don't know yet. Once I get into this program and explore this a little bit more, maybe I'll find something that I like and go with that.

That's kind of a perfect career for a goalie with all the mental training you do isn't it?

I think I started working with sports psychologist John Stevenson when I was like 14. I still talk to him regularly. He's just been so helpful. That really opened my eyes to that world of sports psychology – how impactful it's been throughout my career. Especially bouncing around everywhere and coming from the lower levels of minor hockey, it was more of a mental battle than physical, for sure.

Do you have plans to keep playing hockey?

Yes, I would love to keep playing. I feel like my body's in a great place, and I'd love to keep going as long as I can.

You've only been here a year, but what are some of your favourite memories during your time at MacEwan? What's your takeaway from this year?

It's been an awesome year, it's been a lot of fun. Just getting to know this group, and coming in as an older guy, it's just been unique to come in and see guys, how they interact with each other. Some of my highlights – I wasn't playing, but it was cool to be part of the game when we beat U of A at the Clare Drake. That was just such a big win for our program. Some other highlights have been being a part of this next phase of MacEwan hockey where we're starting to take that step and become one of the top teams in our league. Just being along for that ride has been very fun.

What do you think you'd like to be remembered for? What's the legacy you're leaving to the program here? 

I hope just as a good teammate. That's the most important thing I've learned through hockey. The good people seem to go the farthest in this world – whether that's in hockey or in life. Being a good person that people can talk to. On the ice, I'd like to leave a legacy as a person who competed no matter what's going on. I showed a lot of perseverance and mental fortitude battling through injuries and just being resilient. Just enjoying the game.

Is there anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

Just how grateful I am to be able to play at home, and play in front of family and friends with an awesome group of guys. It's just been an incredible experience – one that I'll cherish forever, for sure.

Spencer McLean is the Griffins' last holdover from the ACAC era as he started his career in 2019-20 - MacEwan's last season in that loop before entering Canada West (Rebecca Chelmick photo).

Spencer McLean

(2019-2025)

Zack Dailey's coach's quote:

"Spencer's been a good player for us. He has impressed me with just his attitude and effort on a day-to-day basis, regardless of if he's playing, if he's not playing. If he's playing on the top line or not, it doesn't change, no matter what. His attitude doesn't change, how he treats people doesn't change, his work ethic doesn't change. That's really impressive because it takes a special person to be able to bring the same energy and effort all the time, regardless of if you're getting rewarded for it or not. 

"I'm really proud of him for how he's handled his career. At the start, he didn't play as much as he wanted to, but he didn't complain, he just waited for his opportunity. He got his opportunity and he's been in the lineup ever since. Really impressed with just his fortitude and mental toughness that he's shown."

Q&A with Spencer McLean

What are you graduating with and when?

I'm graduating after this semester with a major in Economics and minor in human resources.

Do you have a career goal in mind?

Not really yet.

Do you have plans to keep playing hockey?

I do, but I don't. If something comes up, I'll probably go through with it. But if not, it's really no big deal. I'll probably go back to B.C. and find a job.

You're the last holdover from the program's ACAC era. What's that been like being on this team and being kind of the elder statesman here?

It's been pretty crazy coming into U SPORTS. My first couple of years, we struggled. But we've come around and have a strong team now. We're competitive in every game, so it's great.

Zack gives you high praise – it's doesn't matter whether he puts you on the first line or the fourth line, he gets the same work ethic every time. What does that say about your character?

It's just resiliency. You can only control what you can control. You can only do the things you know how to do. So, I just found my strong parts of my game and I make sure to bring that every single night.

What are some of your favourite memories going all the way back through your whole time as a Griffin?

I would say the friendships and connections that I've made along the way. I've been able to play with so many great people that I'll probably be friends with them and keep in touch for a long time after. That's my main takeaway.

You got to play with your cousin Riley Brandt briefly (in 2021-22) and now he's playing pro in England. What was that like?

It was so cool to be able to play with him because most of the time growing up, he was three years older, so we never really got to play with each other. Then we both went into the BCHL and we were on opposite teams. We were always playing against each other. Then he came here, and it was awesome. We lived together, we pretty much did everything together. We still hang out in the summers back home all the time. It's been great.

When you look back on your time with the Griffins, what's your legacy, what will you be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered as someone who shows up every day with a smile on his face, brings the same work ethic and attitude. Just a good teammate to be around.

Do you have anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

I'm just thankful for everything that's happened. Whether it's a negative thing – losing – or a positive thing, I think it's really helped to grow me as a person.

Over his career, Ryley Appelt has brought a physical game, along with a pro's mentality of respect and hard work off the ice (Rebecca Chelmick photo).

Ryley Appelt

(2021-25)

Zack Dailey's coach's quote:

"Ryley's been awesome – again just a fantastic human. He is someone who I asked to change his game a little bit. He's always been a physical force, but he needed to pick his spots a little bit better. There are a couple suspensions he had, he was taking a few too many penalties and he's responded very well. I think that having him on the ice more has helped his game and helped our team, as well. His response to feedback was great. 

"Then (he just brings) the same work ethic. Whether he's playing a lot or not playing, he treats people with respect. He comes to work every day. He's professional, he's kind, he's polite – just the overall professionalism he shows is great. Guys feel a little bit better when he's in the lineup because he's a protector and he's someone who looks after his teammates."

Q&A with Ryley Appelt

What are you graduating with and when?

Bachelor of Supply Chain degree this spring

Do you have a career goal in mind? 

I think I'd like to do something sports related, but I'm still open to a lot of opportunities.

When you look back on your time with the Griffins, what are some of your favourite memories?

I think there's a lot. I think we've grown as a team over my four years, winning only three games in our first year to competing and beating U of A. I remember the first time we beat U of A was pretty ecstatic. They're obviously a pretty good club. Now, we're competing with every team every night. So, it's just been great to grow for the last four years here.

You bring a very gritty style on the ice. Zack says when Ryley's out there, the team feels better because you're like the policeman. What's it like to have been in that role?

100 per cent. Coming into the league from junior hockey, it's a little bit different. You can obviously police and fight in that way. But I've learned to pick my spots but still be a presence out there. That's what I do, I play hard, I hit guys and win battles. I think that if I can lead the way in that aspect, it helps the team play a little more carefree out there like a policeman."

Do you have any plans to continue playing hockey?

"I would like to keep playing if I'm able to. I've done this for 15 years, so I'd like to keep playing, wherever that may be. If not, I'll transition into working. But I'd still love to do something sports related. Obviously, hockey would be ideal."

When you look back on your time with the Griffins, what will you be remembered for? What's your legacy here?

I think I had good rapport with all of my teammates – so many connections from Year 1 to Year 4 here. I think just being a guy in the dressing room that can provide a good laugh and make guys comfortable. Then, just really being a fun guy to be around, who enjoys coming to the rink every day.

Do you have anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

I think it's been great. I'm a hometown kid here. I live 25 minutes away from the rink, so being able to play for MacEwan has been pretty special – to come to the rink every day and put on the logo of my hometown university. I just loved being a Griffin and I'll support them for the rest of my life."

Liam Ryan transferred to MacEwan from Carleton and is saving some of his best hockey for last with a goal-scoring surge in recent games. He has plans to play in Australia this summer (Rebecca Chelmick photo).

Liam Ryan

(2023-25)

Zack Dailey's coach's quote:

"He's a transfer student who had conversations with me and he wasn't happy with his playing time at his previous institution, so I told him he'd get an opportunity, but I couldn't promise anything. So, he's someone who's come in and earned what he's gotten. He brings effort, he brings a little bit of grit to his game and he skates quite well. The part he seems to have unlocked as of late is the offensive skill that he has. He's shown it in practice the last few years and it's now translating into games, as well. But he's not someone who's cheating it in any way. He's playing the right way and he's getting rewarded for his hard work. 

"He's been someone who's helped our program in terms of the pace and intensity we play with. We're happy he chose our program because he did have options as well. It's just a testament to the guys who have been here a long time and what they've done with this program where guys now want to transfer to our program because they hear good things."

Q&A with Liam Ryan

What are you graduating with and when?

Bachelor of Commerce with a management major. I'll have about three or four online classes to take next year, but I'll be taking those from back home in B.C.

Do you have a career goal in mind?

I'm not really quite sure yet. I'm definitely going to put a lot of thought into that next year. It's been so much hockey and business getting the degree done that I haven't figured out exactly what I want to get into, but I'm confident one day I'll find another passion, as well.

Do you have plans to keep playing hockey after this?

Yeah, I'm actually going to be going to Australia this summer to play. I'm a dual citizen. My dad is full Australian. I had a couple of old roommates from Carleton, my previous school, who went out to play there in the AIHL and that season runs from May until September. It's definitely going to be a different experience, but there's a lot of guys that play pro year round. They play pro in the winter and then come there in the summer. I'm interested to see what the competition's like. I'm sure it will be a bit of a step down from (U SPORTS). But regardless I'm so happy to have that opportunity. I should have the opportunity to see some family I haven't seen in a long time – my dad's side. It's going to be great.

What's the name of the team?

The Newcastle Northstars. I haven't given an official commitment, but we've just been figuring out the process of me getting down there. I am going 100 per cent.

You're saving the best for last. You had two goals against Manitoba a couple weeks ago. What's behind the recent surge in your offensive play?

Definitely since Christmas break, I've had a little extra step in my game. And getting an opportunity to play up a line with (Sam) Simard and (Kadyn) Chabot. I've also put a little more emphasis on playing with confidence. That makes a huge difference. I know a lot of hockey players say once you get one, you feel like you can get that many more. It was a good weekend. It felt good.

You were at Carleton and have had a university journey playing for a couple different teams. What's the overall experience been like for you?

It's been tremendous. I've met so many great people on each side of it. I'm very grateful to be finishing here at MacEwan. I've been surrounded by such a great support crew – coaches, teammates. I can't really say many more great things about the place. I've enjoyed it.

What are some of your favourite memories from your time with the Griffins?

On ice, I'm definitely very proud of our group last year making playoffs. That was quite the experience for us. It was a first for MacEwan, as well. I think that will play into our benefit coming into this year looking to make a playoff push. I think we've taken great steps since then.

When you look back on your time with the Griffins, what would you like be remembered for?

It was a short two years, but I hope what I leave behind is a positive impact on my teammates – someone that the guys will always remember me or mention me in the dressing room. Though I don't live in Edmonton, when I come back to visit, they'll look forward to seeing me. 

Anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

I'm very grateful to have the opportunity that Zack provided me. As well as my roommate Hunter Donohoe. We are great friends from back home and he was the one who connected me with Zack and this program here. Without him, this probably wouldn't have happened either. Overall, I'm just very grateful to have had a slight impact on the organization here.

Did you guys play together previously?

We never really played on the same teams, but we were always good friends. My cousin and him were super close and my cousin introduced us. We played against each other for years, so this is the first time playing together.