Heroes & Stars
The spirit of Alberta shines through our people; people who inspire each other to realize possibilities and every-day people who become our heroes and stars.
Heroes
Shannon Szabados
Sport: Women’s Ice Hockey
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
Position: Goaltender (plays left)
Born: August 1986
“As an athlete, I realize I can make a difference off the ice as well.”
A typical day in my life consists of eating, sleeping, and training. During non-Olympic years, when we don't play as a team full time. My days entail eating well, taking college classes from 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. and squeezing in a workout during the day. At the end of my school day, I go to the rink where we practise from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and then head home to do homework and get to bed early so that I can do it all again the next day.
Alberta is a great province to grow up in as an athlete. There are so many opportunities for young athletes to grow and develop. My entire hockey career has been based in Alberta.
My proudest moment was my first ever game with Team Canada. We played against the U.S.A. and I got a shutout. TV cameras zoomed in on my parents who were beaming with pride in the stands.
To me, leadership is shown both on and off the ice. There is a lot more to hockey than just the on-ice games and practices. As an athlete, I realize I can make a difference off the ice as well. Our women's national team has been involved with the Right To Play charity for years and I personally have raised money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. It is important to take the time and lend a hand outside the game.
What I say to younger athletes is always work hard. When someone tells you that you can't do it, work that much harder to prove them wrong!
My heroes are my parents. The hard work and financial support they’ve given me have helped put me where I am today as an athlete.
More about me . . .
Education: Currently enrolled in Grant McEwen College
Club: Grant McEwen College Griffins (ACAC)
Other hockey milestones:
first place with Team Canada at 2006 Four Nations Cup in Kitchener, Ont.; played in and won two games with 0.50 goals against average
first place with Team Canada at 2007 Four Nations Cup in Leksand, Sweden; played in and won three games with 1.33 goals against average
