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Scheel Learning to Lead Between the Pipes

By Beck Olsen, 12/05/16, 1:00PM EST

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NTDP goalie growing in confidence in Under-18 season


Photo by Rena Laverty

As a goaltender, Adam Scheel has heard just about everything when it comes to his play between the pipes. Whether it comes from the opposing teams, fans or even his own teammates, he has to figure out a way to put it out of his mind.

“Nothing they say, I haven’t heard before, even from my teammates,” he said. “You have to find it amusing and it puts a smile on my face.

“[During college games] the student section makes fun of you. At the Minnesota game, I don’t remember what they were saying but they were definitely making fun of me. I just had to laugh it off.”

The Lakewood, Ohio, native definitely had the last laugh when he picked up an 8-3 road victory at Adrian College on Nov. 19 to earn his first college win in net.

“It was huge to get that first college win over Adrian,” he said. “It’s nice to be with all the guys and celebrate with them. It was pretty exciting and something to build off of. I want to keep going.”

For Scheel, he has already noticed a big difference on the ice between his first year with the U.S. National Team Development Program and this season.

“This year as a team, we have had the upper hand as we are older, bigger and stronger,” he stated as the Under-18 squad prepares for two home games this week — Dec. 8 vs. Cedar Rapids and Dec. 10 vs. Bloomington. “That is a difference from last year. We were really the underdogs last year.

“My game has grown the most off the ice with the workouts and strength training. That has had the biggest impact for me.”

Scheel, who stands in at 6-foot-3 and 189 pounds, has gained 15 pounds since his first year with the program. He spent plenty of time last summer getting ready for his final season with the red, white and blue.

“I did a lot. Every day over the summer I was at the rink. I would skate four times a week and working out four to five times per week,” he said.

Scheel has experienced plenty of ups and downs during his time with the NTDP. One thing is for certain, he has learned plenty about himself during this time.

“I think I’m pretty resilient,” he remarked. “I have definitely learned that more as the years have gone on, especially this past year. If I play bad, or I don’t play, that has gotten better and I have learned from it.”

He also credits goaltending coach Kevin Reiter in helping him become a better player. Scheel has the opportunity to work with him every day on the ice. One big area of improvement has been his confidence between the pipes.

“We watch a lot of video, work on different things and do a lot of drills,” explained Scheel. “It’s all about repetition — we do the same things over and over so that helps with confidence especially in the games, or what to do in certain situations.”

He plans to continue building up that work ethic over the rest of the season to develop his game.

“I need to work hard every day. In practice, I can’t take anything off — I need to keep going hard each day. I have to keep working hard,” remarked Scheel.

It all boils down to wearing the USA sweater for Scheel.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “Some people may never have the opportunity [to wear the jersey]. Growing up and hearing about the program, I always dreamed about playing here. I like to think that this is my last time wearing it so I need to leave it all out there on the ice every day.”

And being a goaltender means shouldering all the pressure. Sometimes Scheel is a hero, while other times, he gets the blame.

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.


Photo by Rena Laverty

Adam's Favorites

Favorite NHL Team
Chicago Blackhawks

Favorite U.S. Born Player
Ryan Miller

Favorite Movie
Lord of the Rings

Favorite Actor
Will Ferrell

Favorite Book
Great Gatsby

Favorite Musical Artist
Luke Bryan

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