Welcome To RSF Performance Hockey Camps!
Hey everyone, I’m Shaun Earl and hockey has always been a part of my life since I was five years old. Growing up, I looked up to my older brother and saw how he drove to the rink all kitted up and imagined that he was the most muscular person I had ever seen. From that moment on, I couldn’t get my skates on quick enough.
My parents were new to hockey too, so when they bought me my first stick, they weren’t sure which way I shot, so they got me a “straight” handed one. I will always remember the time when that stick broke; I was skating in the corner for the puck, and the blade got stuck in the boards in the Mini Rink at the Keystone, and the butt end went straight into my stomach, taking my breath away and the rest is history.
I naturally took to hockey, however, I found it hard to make it on the rep teams. Every time I tried out, I made it through to the final stages but never quite made the cut. I knew I had the support of my parents, who would also take it personally when I wasn’t picked, and as they were not knowledgeable about the game, they didn’t understand why I was never picked. Coaches had to unplug their phones after tryouts, as parents would often call them up to ask why their kid hadn’t made it onto the team. However, a few days later, my parents finally got through to the head coach of one of the rep teams and even though I had scored 4 goals in the final scrimmage, I was told that I was a cherry picker and didn’t know how to play the game properly. The coach explained that the sport took time, patience and effort to learn and this was something that was a long-term investment rather than an upfront payment.
The first time I was picked to play with one of the AA teams in Oak Lake, Manitoba, I was only 13 years old. I felt as though I had been promoted to the big leagues, and that day was so foggy, you couldn’t even see 15 feet in front of you. But stepping out onto the ice made me feel like I was in the Mighty Ducks movie, playing with the two high school teams.
The hard work I had put in eventually paid off, and I was eventually chosen for a AA team, with the most intense coach I ever had. Unfortunately, this meant I only got two shifts each period and if I was playing in the championship, I would gladly ride the pony. But I was only 13 years old and still learning the game, which made it hard to accept. So, with my parents in support, I made the hard decision to quit the team and join the single A rep team instead.
In the seasons to come, I kept making the rep teams, and eventually, I was part of the Brandon AAA Wheat Kings. In 2002-2003, our team won provincials and we were said to be one of the best teams on paper. Although, there was division in the locker room, and not a lot of teamwork. The following season, with a better bond and less talent, we battled our way to Kenora, Ontario, and became the National Champions against team Quebec, winning in a 2-1 OT match. Later, I moved on to the Neepawa Natives in the MJHL and concluded my competitive career with the Southeast Blades. I left the game with some unresolved emotions, but I am now fully invested in the game and can’t wait to make a strong impact!
I have played on many teams throughout my hockey career, some that have won championships and some that have gone the whole season without a single win. Both sides of the spectrum have been healthy for me, and even though not winning is never the best feeling, it’s a learning experience and I have to accept that.
Nowadays, I am a Development 1 coach, pursuing my NCCP certification, and have been appointed the VP of AA and AAA hockey, where I’m determined to make a positive difference in the minor hockey community. I continue to educate myself in the sport by attending conferences, taking part in online consultations, and completing various courses, as the sport has changed over the past decade and I am eager to teach the modern techniques of the game.