Ste. Anne's Shelby Bram

Ste Anne's Shelby Bram is in the third year of her four-year hockey scholarship at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Mercyhurst has had a slow start by their standards as they hold a 7-4-2 record through the first 13 games of the season.  They are currently ranked #10 in the nation, but Bram says that isn't meeting their team goals.

"We've always wanted to be higher and be in the top eight, but we just have to keep doing what we do and do the little things.  We'll pull out some wins and keep moving up."

Coming off a breakout season that saw her notch 31 points in 37 games, Bram is on pace to match those numbers this year with three goals and eight assists thus far.  Now two and a half years into her college career, Bram notes she has seen improvement in all facets of her game, specifically her confidence and poise with the puck.  Those improvements have led to her receiving playing time in key moments of games, including on the power play and penalty kill.  Additionally, she is now seeing more responsibility as a veteran on the team.

"I like being a veteran, teaching a lot of tools to the young kids." Bram explains.  "A lot of them move away from home, so I just help them with the change there.  It's fun all-around."

While Mercyhurst is two spots short of their goal of being ranked in the top eight, Bram notes the early adversity they have faced has just made them stronger as a team.  She adds she's had a lot of great experiences so far in her collegiate career.

"I've had many highlights here.  My main ones would have to be going to the Frozen Four last year, winning our league last year and playing with my older sister (Bailey Bram) in my first year, that was really cool."

Bram's ultimate goal is to win a National Championship in her collegiate career, but she notes that has to come in baby steps, starting with finishing in the top eight in the nation and winning their league.