This young player is a coach’s dream

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This article was published 08/05/2024 (604 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sheldon Ross is a 16-year-old Grade 10 student at Sisler High School who just loves hockey.

“I was six years old when I started playing,” he told me. “The last team I played for was the A2 U18 Raiders. Our team was one of the best teams I have played for. We had great coaches and our team bond was really close. We had all the elements of a truly good team.”

When I asked him to describe himself as a player, he said: “I play wing and I am a goalscorer. I love shooting. I like to work to be in open positions. I enjoy backchecking as well. You need legs, speed, endurance, and a lot of drive to backcheck at a good rate for your team. It is a very important part of playing the game at a high level.

“If you want to be a good and respected player, you have to be willing to work hard in both directions on the ice.”

Sheldon sounds like a coach’s dream and he is also a big fan of Patrick Kane, the three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks who finished last season with the Detroit Red Wings.

“He is very exciting and always knows where to put the puck,” Sheldon said. “I try to model my game after his game. He is very smart and dedicated. My ultimate dream is to play in the NHL. That would be incredible.”

Sheldon lives in the Seven Oaks Area with his dad Sheldon Sr., mom Julie, and three sisters – Calleigh, Bella, and Shelby.

“My parents are my best friends,” he said. “They have provided for us all of our lives. They do a great job of taking care of us. They are two truly special people, and the two most important people in my life.”

It’s not surprising that such a well-spoken young man said his favourite class at school is English.

“I enjoy school. English is my favourite class. I really like writing and using words to express myself. I really like poems, too.”

Sheldon loves hockey and he wants everyone to be successful with the sport they love:

“Keep working hard, don’t let anyone get in the way of accomplishing your dreams.”