Hockey has taken Adam Shell around the world, and now it brings him to UBC. Shell is the new Head Coach of the Thunderbirds Men's Hockey Team. The 34 year-old has spent the last 8 years running the hockey program at the Royal Military College of Canada, where his team set a school record for most points and most wins in a season.
"The opportunity to coach at a university like UBC is not one you pass up.", says Shell. "The academics, athletics, tradition and location are second to none and I am honoured to be the new Head Hockey Coach."
During his time at the RMCC, Shell had the opportunity to expand his hockey horizons, In 2008, he was the Head Coach of the Serbian Men's Senior National Team. Shell took the team to the Division 2A World Championships in Romania, and guided them to the Bronze Medal.
In July 2013, the Thornhill, Ontario native, joined the Canadian Maccabi Junior Hockey Team coaching staff. Shell was in charge of the forwards and the power play, as Canada went to Israel and came home with the the Gold Medal.
Director of Athletics, Operations & Student Athlete Services
Theresa Hanson, believes Shell has what it takes to succeed in the Can West environment. "We are pleased to welcome Adam to the UBC Thunderbirds. ,His extensive experience at the university level and beyond, will be a huge asset to the men's hockey program as he makes his transition west. We are looking forward to working with Coach Shell and watching the men's hockey team build on their successes from last season."Â
Shell describes himself as a university coach through and through. "I played in the CIS, coached in the CIS and understand how to develop relationships with players, staff and alumni that last well beyond their 4 years at school. We will be nothing if our team is not exceptionally prepared and hard working. I am extremely excited and cannot wait to get started."
Off the ice, Shell has earned National Coaching Certification Program Level 3 status, as well as Hockey Canada High Performance Level 2. The former University of McGill defenceman earned his Bachelor of Commerce, Honours in Accounting and a Graduate Certificate from the,McGill Professional Accountancy Program. Shell is also a member of the Ontario Institute of Chartered Accountants.
The Thunderbirds open the season Thursday September 10th at home versus SFU.
