John Schmaltz

John has lived in Cromwell his whole life and is an active participant of the Park Improvement Committee and Cromwell High School Baseball and Football Booster Clubs.

He is also a Certified Supervisory Pesticide Applicator for Turf and Ornaments, with an expertise in athletic field maintenance. As such, he has been frequently requested by the Town of Cromwell to assist with these issues.

Early Life and Education

John Schmaltz was born in Millcreek township, Berks county on March 18, 1836 to Samuel and Rebecca (Spatz) Schmaltz. Raised in a well-ordered home, he gained valuable practical experience through farming at an early age.

At the age of 18, he decided to pursue agriculture and quickly achieved success in it. His energy, thriftiness and capability earned him the respect of both farmers and businessmen in his community.

He was an active and dedicated member of the Reformed Church and a loyal and faithful helpmeet to his wife Rebecca. Additionally, he had great athletic ability, playing both football and soccer competitively.

Professional Career

John Schmaltz was a highly coveted junior defenceman with an affinity for winning. He led the Green Bay Gamblers to their second Clark Cup title in his sophomore year and was selected in the first round by Chicago Blackhawks management in 2012.

Schmaltz then joined the North Dakota Fighting Hawks for college, where he earned two selections to the NCHC’s Second All-Star Team. As a prominent member of their locker room, assistant coaches Brad Berry and Dane Jackson saw no reason why Schmaltz wouldn’t succeed in the pros.

In the end, he signed a two-year deal with the Maple Leafs, making him one of hockey’s hottest prospects. After spending some time playing for Toronto this season and returning for skills camps in Minnesota later this week, he will join the rest of their roster after Labour Day.

Achievements and Honors

John was an impressive player and student-athlete at MSTC, earning him the title of “Dragon” and becoming one of the school’s all-time great running backs. Additionally, he served as captain during the 1948 season while earning All-Conference recognition.

His football achievements aside, the most remarkable feat he achieved was catching an NHL puck. After being called up to the AHL during his sophomore year by Chicago, he quickly won over fans with his no nonsense approach and earned himself an unrestricted free agent contract in 2021. In 2022 he made the switch to Phoenix and quickly established himself as one of their best players.

Personal Life

John was raised in Cromwell and pursued a career in law enforcement. He began as part of the Cromwell Police Department before transitioning to Hartford Police Department where he retired as Lieutenant.

He was married to Christine and they had five children: Tomas (Lisa) Spicer, Katie Marcotte, Annie Schmaltz, Kelly Moreland, and Genevieve Spicer. Additionally, there were 13 grandchildren as well as a great grandson.

He had a large family and enjoyed spending time with them. He also loved the outdoors and was an accomplished hunter. Additionally, he enjoyed fishing and four wheeling at the farm, always willing to lend a helping hand when necessary. A devoted father, he deeply loved his wife; her memory will be missed by his family and friends alike.

Net Worth

John Schmaltz has an estimated net worth of $5 million. He founded Blacksmith Brands, a consumer products company. Additionally, John serves as independent director for Walker & Dunlop Inc. and earns $214,956 as a member of its Board of Directors.

He was born in Madison, Wisconsin and grew up in Verona, Wisconsin. After playing junior ice hockey for two seasons with the Green Bay Gamblers, he was selected by Chicago Blackhawks management as their 20th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft – followed by college hockey at North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

Since 2011, he has traded WD stock over 30 times. As of June 17, 2020, his average trade is 881 units every 88 days.