Nineteen year old makes history.

A lot has been made of the fact that Liam Kirk, apprentice at Sheffield Steelers hockey club has been touted by the NHL now he has turned eighteen but the 21st of this month was a historic day for their second apprentice Cole Shudra – son of Ron Shudra of Edmonton oilers fame – against Edinburgh Capitals he became, at age nineteen years and 162 days, the youngest player to score a hat trick for Sheffield Steelers and the youngest player to score a hat trick in the EIHL.

The 19-year-old son of Sheffield hockey legend Ron has played mainly on defence this season.

But injuries have seen the one-time Sheffield Rapiers kid drafted on the forward line and he responded with two middle period goals, one which levelled the game when Steelers had gone behind, and a late solo effort strike.

Shudra stepped up a level from the second tier of UK hockey at the start of last season when Steelers offered him and Liam Kirk the chance to train full time with them.

Since then he has has represented his country at junior level consistently.

I asked Cole a few questions on his new career.

RN: How old were you when you first started playing hockey properly ie for a team?

CS: I was around 5 when I started playing for the under 8s and under 10s in the Sheffield junior club.

RN: I suppose you watched Steelers as a youngster, any special memories?

CS: I remember my dad and the team winning many trophies and titles and being able to see that at a young age was very special and made me want to do the same.

RN: Your Dad must have been a big influence on you what really sticks as to what he’s told you?

CS: He’s definitely been my biggest influence, and he just always says to keep my head down and work hard no matter what happens and no matter what anybody says, he’s definitely given me the most guidance in my career and always knows what to say and when to say it.

RN:Have you any plans to play either abroad or with other teams or is it too early yet?

I would love to have the opportunity to maybe play somewhere in Europe, but for now I’m enjoying Sheffield and I love the team, the club and the fans here it’s a great environment to be In to develop.

Which team do you most enjoy playing against?

CS: Easy, Nottingham Panthers

RN: Which rink do you most enjoy playing in aside from Sheffield?

CS: Most enjoy playing in Belfast’s Odyssey Arena.

Who has given you most inspiration as a player?

CS: I haven’t played many years professionally but I would have to say Jonathan Phillips, as he’s always giving advice and as a captain he’s always leading on and off the ice and that’s what I’d aspire to be like.

If you had to name a player you modelled yourself on who would it be?

CS: I’ve always been a fan of the way Patrice Bergeron plays, solid defensively, and just makes smart plays everywhere on the ice.

And lastly your favourite player is?

CS: Right now probably Auston Matthews, just exciting to watch every game with  the Maple leafs.

Thanks for taking the time out to do this interview Cole

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