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Ooks Wall of Fame: Shannon Szabados Broke Barriers and Made History
Ooks Wall of Fame: Shannon Szabados Broke Barriers and Made History
June 18, 2026

SHANNON SZABADOS

BREAKING BARRIERS, MAKING HISTORY

One of the most accomplished goaltenders in Canadian hockey history, Shannon Szabados left an unforgettable mark on NAIT Athletics during her time with the Ooks men's hockey program. Joining the team in 2011, Szabados became the first and only female player to compete for the NAIT Ooks men's hockey team, breaking barriers while helping lead the program back to championship glory.

Over two seasons with the Ooks from 2011 to 2013, Szabados established herself as one of the premier goaltenders in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference. Her exceptional play helped guide NAIT to the 2012-13 ACAC Championship, the program's first conference title in 16 years. Along the way, she had a 1.58 goals-against average and earned five regular-season shutouts, earning the inaugural NAIT Athletic Directors Award for her outstanding contributions to the program.

Shannon's success at NAIT reflected the determination, skill and leadership that have defined her remarkable hockey career. Her achievements with the Ooks remain one of the most unique and historic chapters in NAIT Athletics history.