Sheahan giving back to the game
Riley Sheahan is having fun at the rink again.
The 32-year-old St. Catharines native achieved his dream and played more than 600 games in the National Hockey League, but it wasn’t all fun and games.
Sheahan was a first-round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2010 and seemed to be a perfect fit for the Wings as a strong, two-way centre. But Sheahan bounced around, also playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, Buffalo Sabres and Seattle Kraken, as well as a stint in Switzerland before finally calling it a career.
“It was tough,” Sheahan said when asked about the decision to retire. “You definitely associate yourself with a sport and your ego — you definitely get voices in your head saying, ‘I wish I could still be doing this.’ I feel debatably like I do have some juice left, but you kind of have to make the agreement what’s best for you and my family.
“Sometimes it’s hard. As a high-end athlete, I think we’re all wired kind of the same way to keep pushing for the next thing and to keep pushing, never be satisfied, that whole thing. I think that’ll be a good challenge for me as my career ends, to really think about it, reflect on the good moments.”
Sheahan said moving from city to city, not knowing from one season to the next where he was going to be playing, took its toll.
“Year after year and being part of a new group of people and trying to break the ice and all the relationships and then all of a sudden, they’re gone. That stuff is really hard on me and it takes you away from the game too.
“I’ve played the game to really enjoy it, to make plays and to feel excited out there and now that was starting to go away. Some days it’s hard but I also have a lot of other things in my life to be grateful for and to drive me now.”
One of those things is helping out the Niagara North Stars once a week with their Sunday night development skates, which Sheahan says he enjoys immensely.
“They have external guys come in and run a skate and kind of provide some assistance, maybe a different voice,” Sheahan said. “It’s been good. I’ve kind of wanted to get back into coaching a bit and just like providing a little bit of assistance and telling people about my experience, so it’s been fun.”
Niagara North vice-president Jim Craig is thrilled to have Sheahan on board.
“For Niagara North players to work with Riley is an amazing opportunity,” Craig said. “His experiences as an NHL and NCAA player are incredible. He knows what it takes to play at the next level and has demonstrated the ability to pass that knowledge on to young players. Most importantly, he genuinely cares about the kids, he wants to see them get better. He wants them to go as far as they can in the game they all love.
“Riley is a welcome addition to Niagara North. We are looking forward to seeing the players in the organization benefit from his expertise.”
The former St. Catharines Falcon has been blown away by the skill of the players, who range from U12 to U18.
“I watch these kids and I’m amazed,” he said. “I have no idea what it was like a when I was their age. All the kids can skate really well, can handle the puck really well. But there’s so many different aspects about the game that people forget about. Like how to play the right way, being smart out there, making good decisions, trying to think the game a little more. That’s the challenging part.”
Sheahan is getting a kick out of the players’ enthusiasm.
“It’s different for sure, it’s definitely something that’s foreign for me, but it’s awesome. They have so much energy. It’s cool to see kids love the game in a different way, because for me as I got older and you start to play in the NHL and you achieved your dream, now it’s about having to stay there. How do you approach the game in a different way where it’s not Disneyland anymore, you know? You’re there and you’ve done it and now you have to stay there.
“These kids are working their way to that and they just love hockey so much. It’s cool to see that, so I definitely have a deep appreciation for kids at that age where they’re trying to achieve their dream and I’d like to help.”
Sheahan is also a big believer in character.
“How do you treat yourself and how do you treat other people when you’re not on the ice? I notice who’s picking up pucks out there, who’s helping the coaches set up the nets and who’s using please and thank you. Teams do their research, and this goes to the junior level, too. And if they hear that you’re not the greatest person in the locker room or you’re not willing to think about anybody but yourself, that goes a long way. “
Sheahan and his wife, Kecia, also work with the Ridley Prep boys and girls hockey teams in the gym.
“I’ve always had a passion for the gym and working out and training, so I like being in that environment,” he said.
Sheahan and his wife and the parents of two young boys, two-year-old Slater and newborn Mack. He is enjoying his roles with Niagara North and Ridley and one day could see himself perhaps becoming more involved.
“I’m definitely interested but it’s tough right now. I don’t want to jump into anything full fledged too soon. I kind of want to just see what really grabs me. I just like being around young athletes too, kids that are driven and want to keep moving forward because I think there’s so much you can learn from sports, and I would love to be there to help them along the way.”
Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 6,300 other stories found on our website, please consider hitting the Support Us button on the right-hand side of our home page and making a PayPal contribution to our website. Your support would be much appreciated. If you are a business owner, please consider advertising on our site. Our rates are reasonable and we provide plenty of exposure for your business. Contact bpotrecz@outlook.com for more information.
