After time with the Colorado Rampage program, Shane Adler is heading home for junior hockey.

Adler, a native of the Dallas suburb of Wylie, Tex., recently signed an NAHL tender to play for the new Amarillo Wranglers franchise for the upcoming 2021-22 season.

“Once I found out about the new team coming to Amarillo, I was excited to learn they were holding their pre-draft camp in Monument at my home rink,” said Adler. “I came into camp with the mindset of putting in my best efforts hoping to be a draft pick for the upcoming season. Coach (Harry) Mahood spoke to me about the possibility of tendering with the team. I was impressed by the plans shared for the upcoming season and the community focus of the team, and I knew this was a team I would like to be a part of.

“I have always wanted to advance in hockey and play at the next level. Playing in the NAHL has been a goal of mine, and I am excited about this opportunity. Coach Mahood’s background in coaching and hockey provides me with the chance to continue to develop my skills as a player and contribute to the team. After listening to Coach Mahood talk about the team and the goals for the team, it seemed to be a great place for me.”

A 2002 birth year forward, Adler will join another Rampage grad, David Levkus, with the Wranglers, and hopes to be a formidable player in Amarillo next season.

“I am looking forward to playing with David,” said Adler. “I have been training all summer in the gym and on the ice to prepare for main camp and the upcoming season. I plan to be an impact player on the team by focusing on the details of my game no matter how small. This focus will make a difference on the ice and contribute to the success of the team.”

To know Adler is to also know how he got started playing the game some 15 years ago.

“My parents have told me this story several times,” Adler said. “I had been asking to play hockey since about the age of three. We think this is because we had some close family friends who played hockey. They were a couple of years older than I was. One day, we went to the ice rink for a birthday party for my sister’s friend. I had just turned four years old. They said I could stay and skate if I wanted to. My dad laced up my skates, took my hand, and was helping me onto the ice. Before he could catch me, I shook him off and began skating on my own. By the end of the party, I was racing kids. My mom looked at my dad and said, ‘It’s time. Let’s figure out this hockey thing.’ I started in a Little Rookies program, and I was hooked.

“Growing up watching the Dallas Stars motivated me to want to become a better player and, of course, a fan of the game. I had some close friends who played with the Rampage. They encouraged me to come out and skate with the coaches and team. I liked all that the Rampage had to offer, including skills sessions and a great off-ice program. It was an extra plus to be skating with some of my longtime friends. I am thankful to everyone at the Rampage organization and feel they have all had a positive influence on me as a human being and a hockey player.”

During the 2020-21 season, Adler played for the Rampage 18U team, saying he was able to uncover positives in the face of the pandemic.

“This past season was really fun,” Adler said. “I got to play with some of my close friends from Texas and made new lifetime friends. Due to the pandemic last year, most of our in-state games were canceled, although our team did really well in the Tier 1 Elite League.”

His junior hockey destination set, Adler can now start to focus on other aspirations, on and off the ice.

“One of my short-term goals is to be in top condition as the season comes around,” said Adler. “I have started a bike program that simulates hockey shifts to help accomplish this goal. Another goal I have is preparing for college as I am currently working on my ACT to achieve a better score. I have been doing a prep course and tutoring to help me reach this goal.  

“A long-term goal that I strive for is to play NCAA Division I hockey.  It is something I have always wanted since I was young. Being successful in whatever I do is also a goal I have. I just want to be the best I can be.”

— Matt Mackinder

(August 17, 2021)