Ashtyn Shields is 16 years old and is from Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. He is playing hockey this year for the Tisdale Trojans and is already making his mark on the team. Before playing with the Tisdale Trojans, Ashtyn played for the Prairie Hockey Academy (PHA). Luckily, COVID-19 has not affected the team too badly this year. They have had a few games postponed, but last year they were completely shut down. Ashtyn said, “I have enjoyed this year more than last as we can finally play games. I loved PHA and I love Tisdale. Currently, I have six goals and thirteen assists in 32 games.” Ashtyn cannot wait to play in North Battleford next year, for the Battlefords North Stars, saying that it is going to bring him a whole new set of challenges, but he is embracing it! He cannot wait to develop in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). He will be in grade twelve next year, and it is not too common to have grade twelve teammates on a junior team, but it is not rare. Usually around two-four are on each team. He said, “I am currently focusing on my playing days, I will ride them out as long as I can, but as soon as those are over, I want to coach high level hockey.” In a recent article by Robin Wark on Sasktoday.ca Shields head coach Dennis Kubat said, “His hockey IQ is up there with some of the best I’ve coached. He thinks the game at a high level. He is going to make a good coach someday.” Ashtyn will be back in Esterhazy after his hockey season, but first he will be going to North Battleford to get some experience in with practices and living the lifestyle with his new team. The baseball season starts right around April, so by the time he is back in Esterhazy, he will be playing baseball. He suits up for the U18 AAA White Butte Broncos of the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League. Ashtyn said, “I pride myself in being a multi-sport athlete, it helps me keep my mind fresh and my body in playing shape.” He concluded by saying that hockey and school are not easy to balance, and sometimes it gets overwhelming, but he has always been a good student and keeps his average very high. He finished the first semester this year with a 98.3% average! I look forward to checking in with Ashtyn in the spring to see how his baseball season is going.
By: Mallory Johnson