Two 16‑year‑old forwards from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Carter Schoegler and Hollister Wallace, have earned spots at the USA Hockey national camp in New York, a distinction not seen in the state for more than a decade.
A New Chapter for Indiana’s Young Guns
Their friendship dates back a decade, forged on community rinks where early‑morning practices and shared ambitions turned a childhood pastime into a serious pursuit of elite hockey.
Schoegler, who first laced skates at age two after a memorable Komets game, now wears the green and black of the Green Bay Gamblers, while Wallace, who began figure‑skating at four before switching to hockey, was selected by the Omaha Lancers in the recent USHL draft.
Both athletes view the national camp as a pivotal milestone on the road to professional contracts, a goal underscored by pride in Wallace’s mother, Shelene Ruggio, who attributes their success to relentless work ethic and mutual support.
The invitation not only highlights the rising talent from Indiana’s youth programs but also promises to spotlight the state’s growing hockey footprint on a national stage.