Growing up in New Rochelle, New York, Kevin Shattenkirk idolized New York Rangers legendary defenseman Brian Leetch. After being drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2007, Shattenkirk has an opportunity to make a name for himself in the National Hockey League.

But before he gets to the NHL, he’s already started to be a pivotal player for the Boston University Terriers and well as The U.S. World Team.

Along with an already impressive record, Shattenkirk was the Assistant Captain for the United States World Juniors team, who competed in the World Junior Championships in Ottawa, Canada.

The event, which took place from December 26, 2008 – January 5, 2009, was the highlight in the hockey world, and the United States was one of ten countries involved.

Shattenkirk was more than pleased to represent the United States, especially in a prestigious event, like the World Junior Championships.

“It is something that never gets old,” said Shattenkirk, who was taking a break in between games between Slovakia and Czech Republic. “Coming here to Canada, the feeling never really goes away. When you put on the United States jersey, it’s something you take a lot of pride in.”

The United States started out the tournament by defeating Germany 8-2, beat Czech Republic 4-3 and blew out Kazakhstan 12-0.

Shattenkirk helped lead the team into the highly anticipated match against Canada, and in front of 20,223 fans, the United States dropped a heartbreaker 7-4. Although disappointing, Shattenkirk was able to score the first goal of the game.
Going into the next game against Slovakia, Shattenkirk explained how the games were very passionate.

“I think the hardest thing is just trying to get over the emotional games especially against Canada and Czech Republic. Getting over it and getting ready for the next game is the most important thing for us.

The United States went on to beat the Czech Republic by a score of 3-2, in a thriller that went to overtime.

His family more than just supports him in the World Juniors, they followed him up there to watch the games.

“My family has been great, my parents were up here for all the games and my brother came up,” said Shattenkirk. “They have been very supportive by following me, letting everyone else in my family know what is going on.”

Any scout who has looked at Shattenkirk, all agree that the defenseman has a very strong shot from the point, one that often fools the defense, and more often than not, the goaltender.

A sophomore at BU, his one year of freshman experience at the college level was able to give Shattenkirk a step up in the World Juniors.

“The college game definitely helped prepare me for a tournament like this,” he said. “The speed of the game is fast or faster in some college games than here. The physical side of the college game kind of helped me out transitioning for these games.”

As a kid, he was the captain of the U.S. National U-18 Team in 2006 – 07, all the while playing in 40 games for the Terriers. As a freshman he had four goals and 17 assists, which was good enough for the fourth most assists in the nation among freshman.

With such a record behind him, it was only appropriate that he would be drafted in the 2007 NHL Draft in the first round, and was the No. 14 overall pick.

Getting drafted for Shattenkirk has so far been his best moment as a hockey player.

“It is something you always dream about, and you are kicking yourself when it happens,” Shattenkirk said.

What does the future hold for this New York native who idolized Brian Leetch and was enamored with the Colorado Avalanche – Detroit Red Wings rivalry as a kid?

“For now, I’ll wait and hear from Colorado,” he said. “Obviously my game-plan is school for the next four years, but we’ll see what happens.”