“It was very exciting. I was just trying to jump up in the rush,” said Schlemko following the game. “I just tried to put it on net and was happy to see it go in.”

Schlemko has appeared in four games with Phoenix this season, tallying one goal, one assist, two penalty minutes and a plus-5 rating. He also appeared in three games with the Coyotes last season, registering one assist for his first NHL point.

Prior to being called up to Phoenix, the Edmonton, Alberta, native had recorded five assists and 10 penalty minutes (PIM) in 13 games with San Antonio this season. Last year, he ranked second among Rampage defensemen in scoring with 29 points (7g/22a) in 68 games. In 82 career AHL games, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound d-man has recorded 34 points (7g/27a) and 34 PIM. 

In 2007-08, he appeared in 58 games with the Sundogs, collecting 39 points (10g/29a) and 24 PIM. Schlemko also registered three goals and five assists in 14 playoff games to help lead the Sundogs to the 2008 Ray Miron President’s Cup Championship.   

Schlemko originally signed with the Coyotes as a free agent on July 19, 2007.