Chapter 5: Sheldon Shyiak
In his final year of high school hockey with St. Cloud High School, Sheldon Shyiak posted four goals and seven points.
It was a new career-high. Shyiak then packed his bags and moved to the City of Sunshine to join the Dauphin Kings as an 18-year-old. There were some growing pains throughout his first season in Dauphin, but Shyiak always went to the rink with his work boots on.
He put in extra hours at the gym and fully immersed himself in the junior lifestyle to become the best player he could be and the best possible teammate. Three years later, Shyiak is back in Dauphin and loving every moment. It's the only junior team that he's ever known.
Tuesday's victory against Swan Valley was Sheldon's 83rd regular-season Manitoba Junior Hockey League game. He's also played in 22 playoff games, 18 of which came last season as the team advanced to the MJHL Final.
When asked why he's back for a third season in the Blue & White, Shyiak didn't hesitate to respond with a smile.
"It's a great program and the guys are amazing," said Shyiak. "Everyone is trying to get better every day, and that's the mentality I like. It's a great organization, I love being in Dauphin."
Shyiak posted a new career-high at the junior level with 10 points, two of which were goals in the regular season last year. He played in 48 games. With five games now in the books this year, Sheldon is well on his way to posting a new career-high. He has one goal and one assist. He's projected to notch 12 goals and 24 points.
It's a testament to Sheldon's work ethic and commitment to getting better.
"Progressively, I've been getting more confident in myself," continued Shyiak. "That seems to be showing here in my third year. I have to trust my ability to make plays and my linemates."
Dauphin is off to a great start. After a season-opening loss on the road, the Kings have won four straight games. They've only allowed three goals in the past four games, and their penalty kill has been on fire at 86.7%, the best in the MGEU West Division, and fourth-best in the league.
The team is off to Manitoba's capital on Saturday to play the Monarchs before paying a visit to Niverville to play the powerhouse Nighthawks.
The past two seasons ended in heartbreak for the club. The Kings lost in the first round in seven games two years ago against Northern Manitoba. Last year, they lost in seven games in the league final. Shyiak took those losses to heart, as did every returning player.
This year, he knows there is unfinished business and the team is on a mission.
"Oh, 100 percent. 100 percent," said Shyiak. "We were right there in that game last year. This year, we have unfinished business. We have to make sure we take care of that."
Sheldon's junior journey has been with two men who are two of his best friends. Josh Schmidt and Rylan Gage. The tremendous trio make up the 'Grey Line' and have been playing together for three years on the same line. You can tell on the ice, their connection and ability to play lockdown defence is a big reason why Dauphin's defensive numbers are so great this season to start.
They're also starting to hit their stride offensively together, combining for six points in five games.
"I've been playing with these guys for three years, and I love it. They're great guys, I love them," commented Shyiak. "We've been working so hard, they're amazing. To play with them for three years truly is a gift."
On Tuesday night, Sheldon scored his first goal of the season, and what a time to achieve that. He scored the game-winner on a shot from the bottom of the right circle with five minutes left on the clock. Dauphin hung on from there to record their fourth straight win. It was Shyiak's first game-winner of his junior career.
The celebration was electric, and the goal was huge.
"It felt great to finally get the chip off my shoulder with my first of the season," added Shyiak. "I'm glad I could have done it at a time the boys needed it most. It was an amazing feeling."
Shyiak is now looking forward to the team's next action. First up is the Winnipeg Monarchs on Saturday and the powerful Nighthawks on Sunday. The Kings are by no means looking past the Monarchs, but they realize that Sunday will be their stiffest competition yet. The Nighthawks are 5-0 and have given up only 11 goals.
Two powers will collide on Sunday afternoon at the CRRC in Niverville, and Sheldon's looking forward to being a part of the action.
"Yeah, that's going to be a great test for our group," said Shyiak. "I'm excited to see what we can do; we're ready to fly."
In the off-season, Sheldon moved from St. Cloud, MN, to Marquette, Michigan. His favourite hobbies include exploring nature, spending time with friends, and working out.
In his words, Shyiak takes immense pride in mastering his craft. He started skating when he was four and playing when he was five. He knew early on that he wanted to play at the next level. Sheldon's dad, Dave, is the head coach for the Northern Michigan Wildcats Division 1 men's hockey team.
Get To Know Shyiak:
Tell us about your dad? It's great to have him. He helps me with my game a lot. I look up to him; he's a massive part of my life.
What is your favourite childhood memory? A couple of game-winning goals when I was younger. In Peewee, we had a championship game that was 2-2 going into the third period. I scored the winning goal, and that was an amazing feeling. There's no better feeling than helping your team and lifting the championship trophy.
What's your go-to music? I would say my favourite artists are Drake or Travis Scott; those are my go-to ones before a game.
What's your favourite movie? I would say Miracle on Ice. As an American and a hockey player, I love that movie.
What's your favourite show? I'm starting to get into Breaking Bad. I've been binging it.
You can hear Sheldon's full chat with Darnell Duff during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show at 4:10 p.m. on Friday on 730CKDM.