After a strong rookie season with the Elmira Sugar Kings, Isaiah Shantz was ready to take the next step with the Trenton Golden Hawks.
Last season, he recorded seven goals and 17 points in 44 games, helping his hometown Sugar Kings reach the Midwestern Conference semifinals. The smooth-skating forward also had the opportunity to showcase his talent at the GOJHL Top Prospects Game, where he caught the attention of coaches and scouts.
Shantz initially expected to start the season with Trenton, but that changed when Taylor MacDougall invited him to join the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL.
"My plan all along was to come here over the summer, so that was my goal," Shantz said. "Then, obviously, when Moncton gave me the call, I decided that was an opportunity I didn't want to pass up."
"It was pretty cool how it all went down. I was at my cottage about two weeks before camp when I got a call from the general manager. He basically asked me to come to camp but said there were no guarantees. So, going there, I didn't really know what to expect."
Despite the uncertainty of earning a roster spot, Shantz impressed the Wildcats' staff.
"I obviously didn't have a spot on the team. It was a tough two weeks at camp. It was a grind, but I did well, and they wanted to sign me for the first half of the season. It was an amazing experience. The facilities are unbelievable. It was really awesome to be there."
After playing in 21 games with Moncton, Shantz was reassigned to the Golden Hawks at the trade deadline. His experience in the QMJHL has given him new skills.
"When you're playing games, there's very little room out there, so they're very detailed. Every day, they're focusing on the little details and habits, trying to get better in those ways," Shantz said. "You learn a lot in that atmosphere that you can bring back to junior here."
Hockey runs in the Shantz family. He grew up playing alongside his cousin, Brady Martin, now a centre for the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL and a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
They also played minor hockey together in Waterloo, alongside current Golden Hawks forward Joey Brehmer.
"My first year of minor hockey was in Major Peewee, so I started a little later than some people. I was about 12 years old. I played my first year in Woolwich, and then the next year, I moved up to the Waterloo AAA team for Minor Bantam. I played there all the way until U18. Everything was great there. It's a really good organization, and I learned a lot and met many great people along the way. I'm really thankful for that opportunity."
Isaiah also has a personal connection to Trenton, as his brother, Jeriah, played with the club in 2022-23. That season, the Golden Hawks won the Eastern Conference and reached the OJHL finals.
"I came to a bunch of games here when my brother played. I think it's pretty cool for the fans to see a familiar last name on the jersey. I'm really hoping that I can be a big part of the success here coming up," Shantz said.
Jeriah is active on social media through his Instagram account, @danglerking, where he promotes a healthy lifestyle through hockey and fitness. He has also built a following as a content creator, sharing training tips, workout routines, and behind-the-scenes hockey content.
"He was obviously excited. He knew that with me being here, he could come and visit some of his friends that he played with, so he was really happy for me."
Since joining the Golden Hawks, Shantz has notched six assists and 11 penalty minutes in 15 games.
In addition to his playmaking skills, Shantz was also an honour roll student at Elmira District Secondary School. With his major junior experience and strong family connections, he is ready to contribute to the Golden Hawks' future success.
"I'm trying to soak it all in and make the most of it every day because it's going to fly by," he said.
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