Cassidy Shandro is one of two fifth-year veterans for the Ooks this year, who has played for the women's hockey team since 2018 and helped bring home the ACAC Gold medal last season for the first time in nine years. Reflecting on her time at NAIT as she heads into her last semester, she has seen herself grow as both a player and a person. 

Edmonton-born and raised, she knew she wanted to stay close to home when it came time to choose a post-secondary institute at 17 years old. With a passion for hockey that began at three years old when she first saw the sport on TV, she signed for NAIT after attending a recruiting camp under former Head Coach Stef Thomson, who sold her on the Ook life. "I signed that spring and just...never left," Cassidy laughs. 

The most significant difference from then to now comes from within for her. Coming in at 18, she hadn't yet figured out what she wanted to do and felt most secure sticking close to home with family. Now in the Animal Health Technology program and making plans to move to a new town after graduation, the years have seen her grow into a confident young adult who feels ready for the next phase of her life. 

Looking back on her time with the hockey team, she has also found herself growing into a leader over the years. This transition has been both a conscious effort and a gradual change as she moved from rookie to veteran. She credits Brittney Savard, who was a senior member of the team during Cassidy's first two years, and who has since joined the coaching staff as Assistant Coach, as an inspiration for the kind of team player she wants to be. "I kind of looked at what Brittney did, and I was like, you know what, I want to step up and be the person who the younger players want to come to, about their troubles on the team or in school or if they're just down on themselves," she reflects. "I think doing that slowly pushed me into more of a leadership role."  

On the ice, Cassidy has seen her role evolve as well. With nearly 90 conference games under her belt and counting, she has plenty of experience honing her skills in competition. Last year, she scored 18 goals in the season and made several crucial assists in the playoffs that won the team the championship.  

Spectators will see Cassidy in her element during high-pressure situations like playoffs, shootouts, and overtime periods. "I think that just comes with age and experience and wanting to work hard in workouts, in practice, and in games," she explains, speaking to what makes her a strong player for these sorts of moments. With effort and experience follows consistency, and Cassidy has proven herself to be a player who can be relied upon when the team needs her.  

Still, she doesn't let her performance on any given day take up too much space in her mind. It's the memories of her team and the relationships she's formed that will stick with Cassidy most. "The thing with hockey is, you're not going to remember the amount of points you get, or the games themselves, you're going to remember the people you meet," she says. "I'll have the friends that I've made here for the rest of my life."  

That being said, winning the ACAC championship last year was a highlight she won't forget any time soon. Though the team has consistently made it to the championships since, the Ooks last won in the 2014-15 season. "It was a once in a lifetime kind of thing and for us to do it for the first time in like nine years – it's not something you get to experience every day," she reflects. 

To win the championship again would be a dream way to cap off her final year, which is certainly looking possible as the team continues to top the leaderboards in the league. The program, celebrating its 25th anniversary, has also organized a European tour over the winter break, which will be another unique experience for her final year as they play teams across the continent. 

Otherwise, her main goal is to simply make the most of her time left.  "You only get one shot at a last year," she says. "I just want to have fun and enjoy myself."  

For her post-grad plans, Cassidy foresees a bit of coaching and skating lessons for younger kids, much like she once attended. A casual game here and there is also in the cards, but for the most part she anticipates her hockey career will end with the Ooks, which will make her last games something to cherish even more. She is excited to graduate and build her life with her partner as she moves into a new stage of life.  

The Ooks will be sending her off with a fond farewell (and perhaps another gold medal) for all she has brought to the team on and off the ice over the years.