Shewfelt keeps education a priority

Halifax Mooseheads veteran forward Andrew Shewfelt is known to fans for his hard work on the ice but the work he does in the classroom is something that the 19-year-old is equally proud of.

“It’s always been something that’s important to me, you know I try to put in as much time in my school work as I do with hockey and my parents have always been big supporters which has helped me do well in school,” he said.

Shewfelt was selected by the Mooseheads in the ninth round of the 2013 QMJHL Entry Draft and plays a key role in the penalty kill and as a forward that provides energy in the lineup.

The Lake Loon, NS native has scored two shorthanded goals this season and is now one point away from equalling his career high of 21 points in a season.

He scored 11 goals as a rookie in 2013-2014 and is hoping to eclipse that mark this season with the Herd.

Shewfelt, a student at Saint Mary’s University, was selected as Halifax’s Scholastic Player of the Month in November.

The speedy forward agrees that hard work in the classroom can contribute to success as an athlete.

“Absolutely, you know being an athlete you have to be smart and I think that truly translates from the classroom and onto the ice.”

Shewfelt has been recognized by the team for his hard work in the past by being awarded the Scotiabank Centre Trophy in 2014-2015 for his outstanding academic and athletic performance.

He knows that some of his peers not only in the league but in the general population aren’t always as keen as he tends to be when it comes to his studies but he says the message to them is simple.

“You know it’s not too tough, it’s pretty easy actually because it’s all about what you’re willing to put into it. I mean you’re going to school anyway so you might as well work hard at it.”

Shewfelt also says living life as a hockey player and balancing a busy schedule you learn to use your time wisely.

“Time management is huge. I was able to learn that around grade 7 really when I went to Maritime Hockey Academy where we played hockey and participated in school throughout the day.”

It was learning those lessons at a young age that set the wheels for success in motion for Shewfelt.

“It really helped me learn to manage my time and I’ve been a lot better in the classroom since then and I think that’s a big thing for all the guys on our team.”

It’s been a down year for the Mooseheads as far as standings are concerned with the club in the midst of a rebuilding phase which has seen star players such as Timo Meier, Danny Moynihan and Cavan Fitzgerald traded away.

With those veteran players now plying their trade in different QMJHL markets, Shewfelt has seen an increased role in terms of ice time and as a leader in the locker room. He regularly finds himself on the second line and continues to display a desire to succeed on every shift.

He is having fun both with the Mooseheads and learning new things at Saint Mary’s University.

“Well I just finished an intro to psychology and next semester I’m going into English.”

The 19-year-old doesn’t have any solid plans for a career post-hockey but agrees the harder he works, the more opportunities there will be.

“You know I don’t have many plans right now other than to get my science degree,” he said.

“My parents would probably love to see me become a doctor or a dentist or something like that so that’s always an avenue I’m willing to take.”

Shewy, as he is known to his friends, explains motivation is a key word when talking about doing well with academics.

“I like school and that helps to keep me motivated.”

Barring any changes to the Mooseheads roster in the offseason, Shewfelt would become one of the three overage players on the team with good friend Vince Watt and newly acquired Anthony Sorrentino as the other 20-year-olds.

“It can be fun you know just learning, going to class and things like my psychology course too. That’s something I didn’t get to learn in high school but it’s something I’ve really enjoyed.”

For Shewfelt, or any young person for that matter, the sky is the limit in terms of their capabilities and working hard in the classroom will provide those opportunities.

“When you’re getting good grades it pays off in the end. Think about the scholarships too, I mean that’s money in your pocket that you don’t have to go into debt for so it all comes back to hard work.”