Short long on talent and desire
Sean Short is out to prove the scouts wrong.
The 17-year-old defenceman for the Pelham Panthers was passed over in the Ontario Hockey League draft in 2023 and has played with a chip on his shoulder ever since.
“Ever since I went undrafted I just wanted to prove people wrong,” the Hamilton native said. “So I try to step up to the plate. Who can I make look stupid, I guess.”
Short, who played his draft year with the Niagara North Stars U16 AAA squad, was counting on being selected.
“I really just freaked out. I talked to a bunch of teams my draft year. I was on so many mock drafts, but it’s probably the best thing that’s happened to me, to be honest.”
Short began last year with the Caledonia Corvairs of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League before joining Espanola of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.
Pelham assistant general manager/coach Zac Rinaldo trained Short as a 15-year-old and always kept him on his radar.
“I think last year we almost signed him as a 16-year-old, but he chose to go to Caledonia,” Rinaldo said. “He’s always been lingering around in our plans so when he became available, we jumped all over it, made the deal, and it’s worked out for the better right now.”
Rinaldo said Short is mature, on and off the ice.
“I think he might have been 15 when I met him. Showed really good potential and a really strong demeanour,” Rinaldo said. “He conducted himself very maturely for his age.”
Short, who is one of the Pelham’s assistant captains this season, is a strong defender who has solid offensive instincts.
“He can move the puck very, very, very well. He’s shifty on the blueline as well. He has a lot of confidence, self-confidence, and I think that’s instilled from his parents, from his family,” Rinaldo said.
Rinaldo feels Short’s upbringing is an asset.
“He comes from a hard-working family. They have raised Sean the right way. I think he gets his swag from the confidence that his family has instilled in him,” he said. “You can always tell that too. He just brings a lot of life into our dressing room every day. He shows up with a smile. He’s happy-go-lucky. He’s always on the positive end of things. He can hold conversations really well for his age.”
Short gives credit to his parents for his maturity.
“My parents never played hockey. My dad did a little growing up, but he’s always been a strict one for working hard,” Short said. “As long as I’m working hard and having fun, that’s all they really care about.”
Short attended training camp with the Brantford Bulldogs this year and left a solid impression.
“It was awesome. I knew a couple guys on the team, so that helped me fit in,” Short said. “It gave me some pointers on what to do and the coaches gave me pointers on what to do. I feel coming back here I’m more of an example.
“It gives you an idea of what you’re up against up there. I thought I really fit in.”
Rinaldo said the Bulldogs spoke highly of Short.
“He almost made the team,” Rinaldo said. “His character alone speaks volumes to the OHL because at the end of day you need to be a good person to play this game.”
Short is expected to play on the Panthers top defensive pairing to start the season.
“He basically just took the bull by the horns. He wants to prove that he should have been drafted. Maybe more eyes need to be on him in certain areas and rightfully so,” Rinaldo said.
Short is eager to start the season
“I’m excited. I started off in this league last year and then I went up north so coming back down and playing in front of my family and my friends is going to be fun.”
Short feels the Panthers have already developed chemistry.
“Oh, it’s a family, 100 per cent it’s a family and all the guys get along,” he said. “This is the closest team I’ve ever been on. There’s so many guys on this team that are leaders. And every single player on this team has the ability to go to the next level.”
The Panthers begin the season Thursday in Brantford before travelling to Cambridge Saturday. They host the Corvairs Sunday at 2:45 p.m. in their home opener.
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