Wawanesa's Keagan Shearer Couldn't Be More Excited to Join Midland

This past week, Westman Wildcats defender Keagan Shearer announced her commitment to Midland University, where she will attend school and suit up for the Warriors, beginning in the fall of the 2021-22 school year. "I couldn't be more excited to be furthering my education and hockey career at Midland University," Shearer told Game On. "They have an awesome team and hockey program as well as the school itself. I am looking forward to seeing a different part of North America and getting the opportunity to travel to many different places across the United States. I am looking forward to what's to come and the next chapter of my hockey career." Midland University is a private Lutheran institution, located in Fremont, Nebraska. The Warriors play out of the Division I American College Hockey Association, where the team went 16-15-1 with a +29 goal differential in 2019-20. So far, through 12 games this year, the Warriors are 6-6-0 despite not seeing any game action between October 11th and January 16th, as COVID-19 caused various league shut-downs. "Midland has an excellent hockey program and a high compete level," the 5-foot-7, 150-pound blueliner expanded. "Their athletes are treated very well and the school has a large majority of student-athletes so it will be easier to meet people. I like that the class sizes are small; coming from a small school, like Wawanesa, that will be a huge positive and help make for a smoother transition." The third-year, Grade 12 student dressed in 28 regular season league contests for the Wildcats last year, scoring five points. In 54 total games she amassed seven points. Only able to play five games prior to Manitoba's 'Code Red' shutdown, Shearer collected one assist.

"The MFHL and the Westman Wildcat program have both played a huge role in me being recruited," she said. "The program, my coaches, and my teammates have been key aspects in the success I have had so far. They have pushed me to do my best, taught me how to improve, given me the skills and resources to communicate with post secondary schools and have helped walk me through the whole recruitment process over the past few months."

"Not only has hockey and the Westman program been a huge part in setting me up for my future hockey endeavours  but they have played a huge role in my life," Shearer continued. "I have met so many people and developed lifelong friendships with teammates. Hockey has taught me so many important life, people, and communication skills that I will carry with me throughout my life. I am very thankful that there is a place for young female athletes, like myself, to play competitive hockey and I was able to be a part of such a great program. I would not trade the memories I have made playing with the Wildcats for anything."

"Keagan is a strong, mobile defenseman that will add size and strength to our backend," coach White said. "She has a great understanding of the game and is very reliable in the defensive zone. She has a very high level of competition and will be a great addition to our program."