Between attending a development camp with the NHL’s Nashville Predators, and working out with his new college hockey team at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, it has already been a busy summer for Luke Shipley.
The former Powell River Minor Hockey product, who spent last season with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), said the Nashville camp was amazing, and he was grateful for the opportunity to attend.
“I learned a lot,” said Shipley. “They have so many resources for workouts on-ice, and also advice on nutrition, mental health and mental performance. The days were long but it was an excellent opportunity to see how the National Hockey League is run. It gives you motivation to hopefully get a chance to play in that league one day.”
Shipley said he was invited to the development camp after having a good year in the WHL. He said he believes he was seen by scouts during the year, and as a result, was sent the invitation.
“I’m just in their prospect pool,” said Shipley. “I’m still a free agent. Tom Nolan [Predators chief amateur scout] invited me and it was fantastic.
“I’ve worked super hard and dedicated my last six or seven years of my life for this. To finally get the opportunity to show my skills at an NHL level is what I’ve dreamed of. The work is not done yet but hopefully it’s the start of something big.”
Shipley said he was nervous for the first few skates, but eventually, he felt he could compete with anyone and do what he does best on the ice.
“It was motivating to know I’m right up there and just as good, or even better, than the guys that are knocking on the door at the NHL level.”
He said he was in camp for six days and on the final day, the players in camp had a full scrimmage, five-on-five.
“It was amazing and fun to play with good players,” said Shipley. “I got to see how good these guys are and see their skills. I really enjoyed the game.”
Shipley said it was reassuring for him to compete at that level, and to know that the hard work he has put in is paying off.
After camp, Shipley headed off to UMass to train with his new team, the River Hawks. He said all the college team’s freshmen were brought in on July 7, a week before all the returning players.
In addition to the on-ice experiences, Shipley is already taking two university courses. His schedule involves working out in the morning and skating every day, plus hanging out with his new team members and bonding to get to know the players.
“The guys are amazing; I feel I’ve known them for a long time already,” said Shipley. “It has been a good transition to college hockey. The facilities are really nice and we have access to them 24/7, so if I want to go and shoot pucks or anything like that, I can do it any time of day.”
Shipley’s university team will begin the regular season schedule in early October, and he believes they play about 36 games, which is half of what he played in junior hockey per season over the past five years.
“It’s going to be different, with a lot more time to spend in the gym and practicing,” said Shipley. “I’m hoping to put on some weight and muscle. My goal is to get stronger, which is super important, especially coming into a league where players can be four years older than you, having matured physically.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to play college hockey and for what’s to come. College hockey is exciting, so I’m excited to experience it.”
Shipley was born in Campbell River but moved to Powell River at a young age and entered the local minor hockey system at age five. When he was 13, he moved to West Vancouver to play for an academy team, but ended up coming back to Powell River, finishing the season with the bantams.
Shipley, a right-handed defenceman, was drafted by the Victoria Royals of the WHL at the age of 14, and played for them when he was 16. After playing with the Royals, he asked to be traded. He ended up with the Brandon Wheat Kings when he was 18.
In his last season with the Wheat Kings, he scored 20 goals and had 57 points. He led his team in plus-minus and was nominated for defenceman of the year in the WHL.
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