Men's Hockey
Although it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for fifth-year Varsity Reds defenceman Ben Shutron, the Orleans, Ont. native has zero regrets about his choice to play his university career at UNB and in the AUS conference.
“After my major junior career I was recruited by Coach Gardiner MacDougall,” said Shutron. “He convinced me to visit Fredericton on a recruiting trip and from the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I felt at home.”
“The city, the school and the athletic program all exceeded my expectations,” he continued. “After my visit, I came to the conclusion that UNB was the best place for me to excel both as a student and an athlete. So, I committed and began my career as a Varsity Red.”
Shutron found himself in good company in Canada’s Atlantic conference, playing among many familiar faces.
“Before I was drafted to the Ontario Hockey League, I played with the Richmond Hill Stars,” he explained. “During this time, I lived with former UPEI Panther Jared Gomes. He was on the team, along with (Saint Mary’s) Cory Tanaka and (UNB’s) Josh Kidd who have also played in the AUS.”
Shutron was off to an impressive start in his first season with the Varsity Reds, boasting the highest plus/minus rating in the conference and being named to the AUS all-rookie team.
Unfortunately, disaster struck in his second season when he broke his right femur during pre-season play. “Recovering from the injury was a difficult task, but one that helped me learn a lot about myself as a person,” said Shutron. “I was lucky to have great support from my family, teammates and coaches to help me get back into form.”
After coming back to play in 17 games in the 2011-12 season, Shutron returned for the entirety of last season, playing in all 28 games, contributing 15 points over the season and finishing with a +18 plus/minus rating. He is on pace for another solid season, posting seven points in the first half of the 2013-14 season.
A part of two national championship-winning teams, Shutron feels fortunate to have experienced CIS wins twice in his time at UNB.
“Winning this past season in Saskatoon was just as memorable because it was the last time the core of that 2011 championship team got to play together,” he explained.
Shutron has high hopes for a third CIS banner in his final year with the Varsity Reds. “At UNB, we have a tradition of improving each day and working as hard as we can,” he said. “If we can focus on those two things, we should have a chance to achieve our goal.”
The V-Reds veteran sees his role on this year’s squad as one of leadership. “Off the ice, I hope I am known as a good teammate and someone that has a positive influence in the dressing room,” he said. “As a fifth-year player, I think it is crucial that I help set a good example for the younger players joining the program.”
In his first year of a master’s degree in business administration, Shutron hopes to stay involved in hockey after graduation. “I would love to become a coach or general manager of a junior hockey team, and hopefully climb the ranks towards the NHL.”
Last summer, he completed an internship with Hockey Canada’s recruitment department. “Working with them in a position that helps grow the game is something I would love to do,” Shutron said.
Regardless of whether he winds up working in hockey, Shutron said, “I want to do something that I enjoy, and something that has a positive influence on others.”
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Getting to know Ben Shutron…
Do you have an early memory of learning to love hockey?
“Early memories of playing hockey and learning to love the game revolve around playing on outdoor rinks with my father and two brothers. When the ice melted in the summer, we would spend our time playing street hockey in front of our house. We had some pretty heated battles, especially when Mom played nets.”
When did you start playing organized hockey?
“At the age of 5. My father coached the team and did so until I was 11 years old and playing for the Gloucester Rangers AAA program. We had great teams, and to this day I am still friends with a lot of the players.”
What is one thing your friends and teammates might not know about you?
“I have a metal rod in my leg. I know it’s cheesy, but that is all I can think of. That and even though I am terrible, I really like to sing.”