Paul Szczechura was born on November 30, 1985 in Brantford, Ontario. After a successful collegiate career at Western Michigan University, Paul signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL in April of 2008.
Szczechura would split time in the 2008-09 season between Tampa and their AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals. Appearing in 31 games for the Lightning, he would score the first 3 goals of his NHL career.