Forward Drake Sheppard was a key member of the U-18 AAA Central Plains Capitals this past season where he served as an alternate captain on the team in his final year of eligibility.

Sheppard describes the season they had.

“I think the team really started to come together in that second half (of the season). We knew what we had to do,” says Sheppard. “We had our eyes set on making the playoffs from the beginning. We came out strong and we really showed we’re not a team to be taken lightly in this league.”

The Capitals had a rather up and down year as the team began the season 10-7 before losing 10 of their last 11 games before the holiday break to drop down to 11-17 at the midway point of the season. However, in 2020, they were a different team. The Caps won their first five straight after the two-week hiatus and finished out the rest of the season going 15-5 to finish with a record of 26-22 overall. 

Sheppard talks about what changed for them in the new year.

“The whole focus was just to do the little things right and success will come in the end,” says Sheppard. “Throughout the year we gelled really well over time, especially when we knew we had to come out strong and be able to win games in order to make the playoffs. We all knew that there was one goal in the end, so we just focused on that and we were able to achieve that.”

Sheppard believes this was his best season of hockey in his career so far, he explains.

“I’m not too big on personal achievements and all of that but overall, going from 10 points last year to 32 this year I felt like I was able to contribute a little more. Just do my part to help succeed in the long run.”

He notes it was a great experience to be a part of the Capitals organization both on and off the ice. 

Sheppard was listed by the Terriers in February of this year and says he will be trying to continue his hockey career in the MJHL with the Dogs going forward. He says he will still be happy either way though.

“I’m looking to continue my hockey career, that’s going to be a big focus but if it happens, it happens. If not, I’ll be happy knowing I gave it my best shot and was able to do what I can do.”