Defenceman a Devil of a player

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Metis sports history was made by Sheldon Souray when he became the first Metis Settlement hockey player ever selected in the National Hockey League Draft.

A big defenceman who plays the physical brand of hockey, Souray was picked by the New Jersey Devils in the third round as the 71st pick over-all held in Hartford, Connecticut. Souray talked with the Devils perhaps more than any other NHL team so he wasn't surprised New Jersey drafted him. In fact, he hoped the Devils would pick him up.

"New Jersey's got the coach of the year in Jacques Lemaire, a great defenceman to learn from as an assistant coach in Larry Robinson and Scott Stevens - my favorite player," said the 18-year-old.

Proud mother Lilan Parenteau described her feelings when hearing her son's name being called by the Devils.

"I was very excited. It's not something I'll ever hear again. The full auditorium of players and former greats like Gordie Howe, it was something else. I am very proud of Sheldon."

The 210 pound, six foot three athlete was one of three selected out of 50 hopefuls to play for the Devils in all the exhibition games. Souray was then signed to a four year contract and will play for the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League for the first year.

"There is a good possibility that I will play for the Devils after the lock-out," added Souray.

Mike Levine, community relations director for New Jersey Devils, spoke highly of Souray.

"Our coaching staff is very high on him and he has a lot of talent."

New Jersey finished the 1993-94 regular season with a second place finish over-all, behind only to Stanley Cup Champions, the New York Rangers.

While Souray's talent put him in the eye of hockey scouts, family and friends helped him persevere on the ice.

"My biggest supporters would have to be my mom and dad (Richard Souray), my family, and from my settlement in Fishing Lake, they have stuck with me throughout the years, thanks to them all," said Souray.

Two councillors and one youth from the Fishing Lake Metis Settlement went to Hartford to witness the eventful draft with Souray.

"It is good to see an Alberta Metis athlete make it to the National Hockey League," said Randy Parenteau, chairman of the settlement. "Sheldon will indeed make

a positive role model for the Metis youth and especially for the Fishing Lake Metis Settlement. The reason we took one youth to the draft is show him reality and that anything is possible."

Souray did not back down from challenges as he went toe-to-toe with the Western Hockey League's heavyweight champ, Brantt Myhres. Unfortunately Souray stepped on a stick and that cost him the final games of the WHL regular season.

"I was disappointed I didn't finish the year but it wasn't all bad," said Souray. "I think the scouts had seen enough." Souray finished the season with nine points and 122 penalty minutes with the Tri-City Americans.

"If you want something bad enough and you're willing to work at it, nothing is out of reach," said Souray.