Junior hockey player Kyle Shearer-Hardy's accolades speak for themselves: 2009-10 First Team All-American, NESCAC 2009-10 assists leader, 2008-9 All NESCAC Second Team, and 64 career points.
With three impressive seasons skating for the Polar Bears, Shearer-Hardy has positioned himself to be one of the best defenseman to ever take the ice for Bowdoin. With one season remaining in his college career, Shearer-Hardy has 25 goals, ranking him fifth all time among Bowdoin defenseman.
Speaking about his own aspirations for next season, Shearer-Hardy said, "It's always been a goal of mine to make it into the 100 point club. Other than that, next season I want to win the NESCAC Tournament."
Coming off of his best season yet, Shearer-Hardy is within striking distance of the 100-point mark. He mentioned that his personal goal takes second place to the team's effort of capturing a NESCAC Championship. His NESCAC-best 22 assists this season echo his selfless devotion to the team.
Shearer-Hardy is fully able to generate offense production himself. With eight goals, he is also the top scoring defenseman in the NESCAC.
"As well as being a great teammate, Kyle has a knack for scoring big goals," said goalie Chris Rossi '10. "If the game is not going our way, he can change it all by himself. Against Trinity earlier this year, he single-handedly put the game out of Trinity's reach."
Shearer-Hardy is quick to smile and easy to talk to, making him popular amongst his teammates.
"He's a really great guy. Super friendly," said fellow lineman Daniel Weiniger '13. "He leads by example. The way he plays inspires us to play better."
Shearer-Hardy's 30 total points this season ranked fourth best among all Division III defenseman. In addition, Shearer-Hardy is the first Bowdoin junior since Paul Croteau '95 to be named a First Team All American.
Hockey success runs in Shearer-Hardy's blood. His half-brother, Mark Hardy, played in the National Hockey League for 13 seasons. Hardy's career included stints with the Minnesota North Stars, the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers, and a 1993-4 trip to the Stanley Cup Finals with Wayne Gretzky's Edmonton Oilers. Hardy is currently an assistant coach for the L.A. Kings. Although his brother Mark is much older, Shearer-Hardy counts him as an influence on his own hockey career.
A native of Montreal, Quebec, Shearer-Hardy has been around hockey since a young age. He attended the Hoosac School in New York, where he was a 2-year MVP and captained his team to the 2007 New England Prep School Division II Championship.
Since then, Shearer-Hardy has fit in well at Bowdoin. Head Hockey Coach Terry Meagher commented on Shearer-Hardy's experience thus far.
"He has taken full advantage of Bowdoin's resources and will enter his senior year as a highly confident student and athlete," said Meagher. "He has always had great leadership promise. We have a rising senior positioned to be one of the best leaders we have had in our program."
Shearer-Hardy managed the transition to collegiate hockey well, playing in 24 games and earning 13 points in his first season. He reflected on one of his first experiences playing for Bowdoin.
"It was my freshman year," said Shearer-Hardy. "[The team was] in the locker room before the Bowdoin-Colby game in the old Dayton Arena. The ceiling above us was shaking because of all the fans. My heart was racing. I had never played in front of large crowds at home."
Shearer-Hardy has been able to conquer his nerves well as he has gained college hockey experience. He looks comfortable on the ice, whether weaving between opponents or patrolling the blue line. His speedy skating and deft stick handling consistently confuse opponents. At 5' 8'', Shearer-Hardy realizes that he needs to have quickness to compete with bigger players.
"My dad and my brother have always told me that 'You've got to keep moving your feet if you want to play with the big guys," Shearer-Hardy said.
Shearer-Hardy has made it clear that he can play with, and beat, the big guys.
"The joy he finds in athletic competition on a daily basis is inspiring," said Coach Meagher.
"He balances the seemingly effortless execution of skill with patience for inexperienced players struggling to adjust. His most important contribution may be his overall attitude," Meagher added. "This a very coachable low maintenance athlete who brings value to every team event."
While coaches and fans are singing his praises, Shearer-Hardy mentioned that there was still something missing from his resume: a victory against Middlebury. In his three years the Polar Bears have yet to defeat the Panthers, including the recent dramatic 3-2 loss in the NESCAC Championship game. In addition, Shearer-Hardy mentioned that the rivalry has a personal flair. Middlebury overlooked Shearer-Hardy as a recruit, believing that he was too small for NESCAC hockey.
Next season, Shearer-Hardy will be looking to prove himself once more as one of the finest players in the NESCAC. With Bowdoin graduating several key members of its hockey team, he will certainly be looked upon to help guide the Polar Bears to another successful season.