NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
Medicine Hat Cubs defenseman Jamal Shaw corrals the puck in the second period of the Cubs 12-0 win over the Strathmore Wheatland Kings on Feb. 6.
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
Jamal Shaw wasn’t sure how his first year with the Medicine Hat Cubs was going to go.
The 18-year-old joined the team last fall for his rookie season in the Heritage Junior Hockey League from Calgary, He said he was worried about COVID but has been really happy and is already hoping to play in the Hat next season.
“I was a little worried about COVID taking away the season but really happy that we got to play through and love this group of guys too,” Shaw said. “Honestly this year was awesome and I’m hoping I’m back next year and we’ll see where that goes from there. But I definitely love it here, the team, the energy and everything like that.”
Shaw showed he can perform at the HJHL level this season, notching five goals and 19 assists for 24 points in 34 games – making him the Cubs highest scoring defenseman this season.
The offensive touch isn’t something Shaw expected coming off three seasons without a goal playing with the Calgary Royals U18 and U16 teams, but it also isn’t something he focuses on.
“I’ve had a three-year slump of scoring no goals so coming this season and getting a few goals has been nice,” Shaw said. “I don’t really think about the points, more just playing the game and trying to have fun.”
He may not pay attention to his numbers but Cubs fans have taken notice. Shaw has quickly become a fan favourite in Medicine Hat, which tasked him with requests to sign pucks or talk with young fans. He said the attention from fans has been awesome so far.
“Especially moving here from Calgary, having a bunch of people – I have college friends here too – it’s nice seeing a bunch of little kids watching the games and being super excited to see all of the players,” Shaw said. “Having them give everyone a cheer is fun and good to see.”
He describes his autograph abilities as amazing and it’s something he likes to do. Cubs head coach and general manager Randy Wong said Shaw impressed them in spring camp with his skating but has shown this season he’s a good character to have in their room.
“The one thing we notice with him is that he’s such a great teammate, very likeable guy,” Wong said. “Everyone is attracted to him and he’s been a good teammate to them. I’ve seen him say sorry to different guys on the ice on the opponent side, he’s just that type of character. He’s happy all the time and he works hard and is a very good hockey player so we’re very fortunate to have him.”
Shaw said the Cubs have gotten so close because they spend so much time together, both at and away from the rink.
“I know a lot of guys are together a lot, hanging out and stuff,” Shaw said. “I think it brings us close because we like to mess around, be on each other’s backs and just have a good time in the dressing room. I think that definitely helps our playing style too which is great.”
The Calgary product said he is looking forward to being a part of the Cubs playoff run. The club announced Saturday it will face off against the Coaldale Copperheads in the second round of the HJHL playoffs after receiving a first-round bye. That series gets underway Thursday night with Game 1 starting at 8:15 p.m. at the Kinplex.
Shaw said he’s already making calls to help pack the stands.
“I am so excited, I am calling all of my friends, telling them to come down from Calgary to come hang out and watch some games,” Shaw said. “I am so stoked for it.”
