This month’s alumni spotlight focuses on Shae Demale.
Shae Demale is a 2023 FISU World University Games champion. She is currently in her fifth and final year playing for Saint Mary’s University Huskies women’s hockey team in Halifax.
Her path to university began when her parents put her on skates at two years old. As a five-year-old she began playing ringette. Recognizing there were more opportunities in female hockey, she switched sticks when she was 12.
Moving up the ranks of Red Deer Minor Hockey, Demale committed to university hockey after graduating from the Red Deer U18 AAA Sutter Fund Chiefs.
“Minor hockey prepared me for a higher level by teaching me the skills and work ethic needed to play at the next level,” said Demale. “It takes practice and dedication to reach a higher level and minor hockey led me in honing those skills.”
During the off-season, Demale played elite soccer and her career in school sports included basketball, volleyball and track and field.
“I think being a multi-sport athlete allowed me to fully develop as an athlete and gave me the skills to become the hockey player I am today,” said Demale. “I love to compete and to work hard towards a common goal to win.”
Demale credits her family, coaches and teammates for teaching her to be her best and to work hard on and off the ice.
“Every team I played on, I had great friends and we made several memories that will last a lifetime,” said Demale. “I loved all the tournaments and provincial championships I went to with my teams over the years.”
During the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 that shut down USports competition, Demale played hockey in Sweden. As she completes the final year of her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Psychology, she hopes to return to Europe to play hockey.
“My advice is to just play the sport or sports that you love,” said Demale. “Play as many of them as you can find time for and find your passion. You never know where sports can take you and which sport you will end up loving.”