In a little over a week, the Oswego State men’s hockey team will take the ice for their first exhibition game of the 2022 season. That contest against Stevenson University will mark the first game Bob Shattell will join the Lakers on the bench as the newest assistant coach.

    Shattell spent the last three seasons with Morrisville State as an assistant coach and worked specifically on skill development and game day operations. Prior to his stint in Morrisville, Shattell was the head coach at Le Moyne College. He spent eight seasons at his alma mater. 

    “That was my first experience at the NCAA level,” Shattell said. “[The coaching staff] allowed me to do a lot as far as recruiting, game planning, and skill development. It was a really good experience for me to grow as a coach. I learned a lot from those guys and overall, it was a fantastic three years.”

    The assistant coach is the founder of Salt City Prospects, a player development company based out of Syracuse that focuses on skill work from youth to the collegiate level. The group brings in coaches from across the northeast, including Oswego State men’s hockey assistant coach Jon Whitelaw.

  “[Coach Whitelaw] and I have grown very close that past six or seven years through Salt City Prospects,” Shattell said. “We work quite a bit of those camps together. 

   The relationship formed over the summer helped with the transition to Oswego State. Head coach Ed Gosek spoke on how important it is to have another individual helping with the day-to-day operations. 

  “[Shattell] will take more to do individual skill development with our players,” Gosek said. “You might not see the results immediately, but I think in the long haul over a four-year period, that daily or weekly skill development on top of practice will pay benefits. Along with the time it takes to break down individual video with each player and then create a plan to work on fundamentals, habits, positioning, and skill development.”

    Shattell will help with a lot of the skill development and film breakdown. Gosek touched on the importance of having his expertise.

    “He has a wealth of knowledge and experience,” Gosek said. “Most importantly, he has the same vision that we have here. They understand our team-first culture.”

     Men’s hockey officially starts their season Oct. 10 as the team takes the ice with their coaches. The Lakers will have a short week before their first of two exhibition games on Oct. 15 in the Deborah F. Stanley Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. against the Mustangs. 

Photo provided by Bob Shattell