Jody Shelley speaking at "Jody Shelley Day" in Yarmouth (2013)
Yarmouth’s Jody Shelley has been named to the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.
He tells CJLS Sports staying in Yarmouth to play until he tried out for the Mooseheads was a great experience.
“I got to stay at home when I was 17 years old and play for the Yarmouth Midget B Mariners and it was an experience I wish every kid could have because a lot of kids move away, a lot of kids make it serious at a young age but I got to be home and go to high school and graduate from Yarmouth High and nothing really got serious until I left there.”
Although Shelley was never drafted by the QMJHL or the NHL, he became the captain of the Herd and is still one of the most popular players in team history and followed that up with a 14 year career as a player in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the San Jose Sharks, the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers.
He says the hard work to take that route is part of what made his career.
“My experiences and what I went through in Halifax, and what that groomed me for were just incredible, so to look back, I’m very proud of it, I’m amazed by it, and it’s something I don’t think my kids understand that I did play in the NHL, which is awesome. It’s something they know that I’m proud of, too”
His 14 years is longer than many early-round draft picks last in the league.
Shelley will be back in the Tri-Counties this summer for his annual golf tournament in support of the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation.
Reported by Sean MacLellan
