Summer can be a barren time for hockey fans. Empty ice pads and a loss of weekly routine lead to trying to find other avenues for entertainment. Chief among them is scouring the internet for news of the latest signings and new contracts. For EIHL fans this often means new and unknown players joining from overseas, but sprinkled in will be the occasional player poached from a rival, and so it has been this season as Belfast Giants recently announced the signing of Cole Shudra from Sheffield Steelers. We caught up with Cole to discuss the move.
Shudra has become synonymous with Sheffield and seemed like a fixture in their team. With his father Ron a legend around the team too, it was a bit of a shock to see him heading across the Irish Sea.
“I just felt like my past couple of years in Sheffield, they weren’t the best for me.” He confesses as we chat. “Especially the last year, I just felt like I needed a change. I think it was the best thing for me to do personally and also for my career. I didn’t necessarily know where I wanted to go where I was going to get offers from so it was kind of a step into the unknown a bit. I was glad to reach out to a few teams and speak to a few people but ultimately when I spoke to um to Keefer (Belfast head coach Adam Keefe) about coming to Belfast… after about 10 or 15 minutes of speaking to him it sounded like it would be a great fit and from what he was saying it sounded like it would be the best place to go for my game and the way I like to play. To play for a coach like that who appreciates the way I play, I feel like I could definitely get the best out of myself. Everything came together quite quickly to be honest, and I was super pumped that Keefer gave me an offer to go. I didn’t take too much time thinking about it, it was one of those decisions where I felt really good about it right away so, you know, I decided to go with it!”
It’s always great to hear a player so enthusiastic about a new adventure and Cole was clear on the role Keefe sees him filling for the team. Bbeing a role guy, a good defensive forward and playing physical, but trying to contribute offensive hockey where I can. Ultimately bringing energy um to the team and forechecking hard while being defensively responsible. I’m happy playing in any role that the team needs me to, that’s what I’ve always tried to do. I think that forechecking role is where I’m best suited so playing for Keefer I’ll be able to play in that role more effectively and I think he’ll get a lot out of me.”
Giants fans do love a player who is willing to hit hard and keep the opposition on their toes, so it’s easy to imagine Shudra gaining some fans as the season goes on. Cole is also a regular member of Team GB, skating most recently in the World Championships just last month. I can’t resist asking how that experience was.
“We’re obviously disappointed with the results we got, but it’s a very transitional period, I think, for the GB team and we’ve got a lot of new guys coming in. It’s always an unbelievable experience playing in that top division and you take away so many positives and so many s things that you learn playing against the best players in the world. It’s my favourite time of the year, playing for GB, it’s always been my favourite jersey to pull on, you feel so proud to be able to represent your country and do what you love doing, it’s such a huge honour and yeah, I love it!”
While results didn’t go GB’s way, they stepped up time and again against tough opposition, a good reminder not just of how far they have to climb, but of their growth as a team.
“Every player likes to be confident enough to believe they can compete against better teams and I think when you do play at that top level you realise that you are actually able to play against those players. Regardless of results, there’s times in the game where you feel like you’re competing with those teams and it’s really nice, kind of a reassurance to know that you’re able to play at that level. Hopefully then you bring it into the next season at club level.”
That belief, at least as important as skill, is what sets players apart. It will be key for Cole the first time he puts on a teal jersey and finds himself across the ice from his former Sheffield teammates.
“I think it will be a weird experience but I’ve done it before. I went away and played for Milton Keynes Lightning one year and came to play against Sheffield. It was strange then and it’ll be strange I think this time, but I’m really excited for it actually and I’m raring to go for it to be honest! I’m excited for a new start – new team, new city, new everything – and I’ve got like a little bit of extra motivation! I just want to get going right now to be honest.”
There is still some summer to be enjoyed first though, so how does Shudra spend the off-season?
“It’s raining right now so I’m not doing much” He jokes. “I had, like, a week and a bit off after GB, just to have a little bit of rest. I’ve just started getting back in the gym again and hopefully I’ll start skating again soon just to get as prepared as possible for the season. Hopefully I’ll still enjoy a little bit of time off, but I’m ready to get back to work and to work hard ready for the season to start.”
It’s clear Cole can’t wait to get going, but I wonder if he’s chatted to anyone about life in Belfast?
“I’ve spoken with a few guys that have played there before. Dowdy (Robert Dowd) – I was speaking to him while I was at GB and he said he really loved his time there. He was telling me that I’ll love it and to grab it with both hands, to take the opportunity and make most of it. Davey Phillips as well, he reached out and was super positive about his experiences in Belfast. A few other guys too. I’m really excited for it to be honest. I know it’s a great place to play, just from playing in that arena as the away team. It’s a great atmosphere! I know that it’s a team who want to win every single night and that’s what I want to be a part of. I couldn’t be more excited to be honest!”
