Trent Shanely has committed to Fitchburg State University for the 2019-2020 season. Neutral Zone scouts have noted Trent for his shot. He is a physically strong and puts power behind everything he does.
Unlike most hockey players, Trent’s career did not start on the ice:
“I started playing when I was three years old, learning to skate by playing roller hockey. Then a couple of years later I transitioned to the ice. My father was the whole reason I started playing. He took me to a lot of Washington Capital games when I was younger and I loved it! My earliest memory playing hockey was skating for the first time in full equipment in Bethlehem. The feeling of gliding around on the ice for the first time is a feeling I will never forget. I knew then, this is the sport I wanted to play. My youth hockey experience was great but a little bumpy. My family and I moved a lot when I was younger so I was bouncing around between youth teams for a few years. Once we settled in NJ, I joined the NJ Avalanche organization as a Squirt and this is where I began to learn the game.”
Hockey is a game of ups and downs, Trent tells us some adversity he has faced and how he got through it:
“The toughest challenge I have faced was being cut by multiple teams during tryouts in youth hockey. It’s not easy being cut, especially knowing I competed hard for a roster spot. It taught me how to deal with disappointment and adversity, to learn from it and work even harder. I have used it as motivation throughout my hockey career and in life.”
Trent elaborates on his NCAA process and why he chose FSU:
“The recruitment process was really smooth. I emailed my top schools at the start of the year, and Fitchburg State University responded within a few days. We kept in touch frequently during the beginning of my season, including a couple of campus visits. My coaches for the NJ 87’s were active in guiding me through the recruitment process, which was very helpful. In prior years I visited Babson, Saint Anselm, Trinity, Robert Morris, UMass Boston, and Wesleyan. My decision to commit to Fitchburg was based on several factors. When I first visited the campus it immediately felt comfortable. I liked the campus, which is easy to navigate and has a New England look and feel. The students and professors I spoke with were friendly, and the ice hockey and strength and conditioning facilities are first class. Getting a good education is my top priority, and Fitchburg offers many options for majors including business. Fitchburg is a winning hockey program with a fantastic coaching staff led by Coach Fuller. So after sitting down with my parents, and considering all Fitchburg State has to offer me as a student-athlete, we knew committing to Fitchburg was the right decision.”
Before playing for the New Jersey 87’s in the EHL, Trent played for the Connecticut Jr. Rangers in the USPHL:
“The transition from the USPHL to the EHL was an adjustment. Having spent 3 years in the USPHL meant I got to know a lot of the players and teams in the league. As a result I learned their strengths and weaknesses, and adjusted accordingly. So with my first year in the EHL I had to adjust quicker as I was unfamiliar with the league, the teams, and players. Both leagues however offer a physical, high-speed brand of hockey. The teams and players are ultra-competitive, and both leagues are great at developing players and preparing them for NCAA hockey.”
After spending three seasons with the Jr. Rangers, we asked how it prepared him for the next level:
“I have nothing but good things to say about the CT Jr. Rangers. I began playing with them at the U18 level, my first year playing AAA hockey. The coach at the time was Jim Henkel, who is the current NCDC coach for the Rangers. He took me in and really helped me develop as a player and person during the time I spent there. He showed me what aspects of my game I needed to work on to play at a high level, and he put me in a position to succeed. Playing three years for CT Jr. Rangers prepared me for the EHL and NCAA hockey, and I will always be grateful to Coach Henkel and the entire CT Jr. Rangers organization.”
We asked Trent what the opportunity to play at the next level meant to him and how he plans to prepare:
“The chance to play NCAA hockey means a lot to me. It is a goal I set for myself many years ago, understanding it was going to take a lot of hard work and determination. It is a privilege to play in the NCAA, and I am both humbled and excited for the opportunity. My plan for the summer is to continue to work on strength and conditioning in the gym, knowing that I am going to be playing against bigger and stronger guys at the NCAA D3 level. I am also going to get on the ice a lot more this summer to work on improving all aspects of my game. I also work as a caddie at a local golf club, which helps me earn money for college and get stronger by carrying golf bags for 18 to 36 holes a day in the summer heat!”
Trent played in 43 games this season with the Jr. Rangers. He accumulated 29 points from 19 goals and 10 assists.
Photo credit: Hickling Images
