TAKE FIVE: SCOTT SCHONECK

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006 | 7:37 a.m.

The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas couldn't be more of a contrast to Abbey, Saskatchewan, which Wranglers defenseman Scott Schoneck calls home.

He graduated with a class of 18 from Abbey High when the town's population was about 250. The graduating class was four last spring.

"There are about 100 people there now," Schoneck said. "But we had a rink and school and post office and someplace to get groceries. You know, that's all you need."

Schoneck's father, Ron, retired after 35 years as Abbey High's principal. His mother, Nancy, still manages the school's main office. Luxury items are scarce. Conspicuous consumption is the eighth deadly sin.

"You don't see someone driving a Hummer down the streets of Abbey," said Schoneck, 27. "You see a 1970 Ford (pick up truck whose engine) has been rebuilt three times."

Wheat and cattle are the major industries of the area, and everyone pitches in come harvest time. Neighbors are always near when the economy sours.

"Everyone comes together," Schoneck said, "to make sure the town stays alive."

1. Learning early

Schoneck perfected his all-around game in his youth, when he played defense for his age-group team on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he was a scorer for a team composed of older players. It helped him and his two older brothers that their father had the keys to the Abbey skating rink.

2. Likes new rules

He led the Wranglers with seven points (six assists and a goal) in their first seven games. He said the various new rules of the game have allowed him, at 5-feet-11 and 185 pounds, to prosper on offense, especially on power plays. Clutching and grabbing have become so outlawed, he said, that big or thuggish players will become obsolete.

3. Hates new rules

Too many penalties have been called, Schoneck said. "We used to get through a game in an hour and a half, or an hour and 45 minutes. Now, it's 2 hours, 45 minutes. You're seeing 15 or 20 power plays a game. That's crazy. You like to see flow. You want to play up and back, up and back, without as many whistles."

4. Even out?

Maybe the refs will mellow out, he said. "They're trying to do their jobs. They have guys in the stands watching them, night in and night out, too. Some of it is a little bit ridiculous, but things like that tend to be relaxed. We'll see how it goes."

5. Locker-room jester

Schoneck, quick with a tease but always positive, helps keep the dressing room interesting. He doesn't think he'll see anything as funny as Mike McBain falling flat on his rear as he tried to kick a tape ball 10 minutes before a game at Victoria last season. "He must have been four feet high, parallel to the ground," Schoneck said. "He knocked over a table of drinks, and the place erupted. I was on the ground. Couldn't stand it. We still laugh about that to this day."