Shawn Glade V Junior Review

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Shawn Glade  V Junior Review

Shawn Glade V taking a shot against the St Louis Jr. Blues

 

Growing up just south of Denver, Colorado, Shawn Glade V has been a star since his early minor hockey days. Small for a typical defenseman, SG5 had to learn how to use his offensive and speed to beat opponents rather than try to outpower them. His father SG4 retired early into his hockey career, leaving SG5 in the spotlight as the next big thing from the Shawn Glade family bloodline. SG1 was one of the best defensemen in the league when it came to playing in the VHLM and VHL, leaving behind lofty expectations for future generations. However, SG5 has shown to be a different breed. He was originally a forward all through bantams, however his skating was shown to be world class at a young age, so his 16U coach switched him to defense, where he would thrive and set himself up real nicely for a great career.

 

Growing up, SG5 played in the Colorado Jr. Avalanche minor hockey system, where he would regularly shine as a top talent in the league. Due to his father's health ending his hockey career early into his VHL days, SG5 has been in the VHL's spotlight for years as the league eagerly awaits it's next generational defenseman. It might be early to say, but this special young player might be the best defenseman the VHL has seen in a while. SG5 regularly shelled opponents with his quick feet and elite hands while always shutting the door on the blueline. In his 16U days, his coach wanted him to bulk up, so SG5 put on 10 whole pounds on pure muscle in a year and was able to play a much more physically demanding playstyle. When SG5 moved up to 18U, he played Varsity for Douglass County Highschool in Castle Rock, Colorado. At Douglass, he would, quickly rise to the occasion and put on a clinic in the Colorado High School Hockey scene. He led his team to a Division 1A championship as the number 1 defenseman in the state tournament at just 17 years old. Shortly after this victory, SG5 was selected to team USA in the 18U World Championships, where he would play decent minutes as USA captured a bronze medal in Sweden.

 

Entering his final year of highschool, SG5 had college offers coming in from around the country, most notably UND. However, SG5 would make a move that would shock the hockey landscape and decline all of his NCAA Division 1 offers. He was quoted saying "I appreciate the opportunity these schools have given me and the confidence they have in me, but I want to follow in my family's footsteps and declare for the VHL draft." After finishing his senior year of highschool, he would do just that, as SG5 announced he was available to sign for any team in the VHLM for a playoff run. Where his career takes him we will find out, but any team picking him up is going to be very happy to have him around.