Phoenix Coyotes' David Schlemko earns first job in training camp

by Jim Gintonio
The Arizona Republic

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - A long, hard climb ended for David Schlemko when he made the Coyotes roster. Now a tougher one begins as he tries to hold down a full-time job.

"I'm not sure what to expect exactly, first time I've actually made the team out of camp, so I kind of got the attitude to just kind of keep my head down, work hard and take it day by day," he said.

Schlemko played in 17 games last season, with a goal and assist, but the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder continued to improve as a defenseman. He broke in with Medicine Hat of the WHL six years ago and was acquired by the Coyotes as a free agent in 2007.

"I definitely didn't take the most-traveled route to the NHL, but at every level . . . I had people in my corner, and people that believed in me," he said.

"So I just kept being here (with the Coyotes) in the back of my mind and kept working toward that."

Now on to step two for Schlemko as the Coyotes begin the season Saturday against the Boston Bruins: "It's unbelievable. It's a dream come true, and I just want to take advantage of it."

Note: Schlemko played 58 games with the Arizona Sundogs in 2007-08 helping them to the Ray Miron Presidents' Cup Championship.