Will Shields raises game in third season with Charlottetown Islanders

Charlottetown Islanders forward Will Shields, 72, looks to control the puck during a recent QMJHL game against the Newfoundland Regiment. The Islanders host the Moncton Wildcats on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. Photo by Jason Simmonds /The GuardianArticle contentWill Shields is no stranger to scoring goals but has found a special formula this season.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Charlottetown Islanders forward, from Falmouth, N.S., has scored 11 goals in the team’s first 13 games, including two hat tricks in a five-day stretch last week to earn the QMJHL player-of-the-week award.Article contentArticle content“I wish (scoring hat tricks) happened more often, honestly, but it was nice to get a couple goals and I was I was pretty proud,” Shields told The Guardian in a phone interview on Oct. 22.Article contentShields is in his third season with the Islanders after being acquired halfway through the 2023-24 campaign in a trade with the Cape Breton Eagles.Article content“He’s certainly been on an incredible hot streak here with two hat tricks in a week, which is pretty rare for any player,” said Islanders general manager and head coach Jim Hulton. “He has a terrific shot, and it’s something, ever since we acquired him, we’ve been trying to encourage him to shoot the puck more because we see it as a real gift.Article content“He’s a natural goal-scorer and I think it’s just a culmination of things. At 19, he’s feeling a little bit more confident. The game slows down for him, and he’s seizing the opportunities with that shot and he certainly hasn’t missed many.”Article contentArticle contentArticle contentOffence has always been a big part of Shields’ game at every level.Article content“My shot is something I’ve worked on lots and lots over the years and take pride in,” said Shields. “Especially with it being something throughout COVID where you couldn’t get on the ice much, shooting pucks was something you could work on at home. My brother (Matthew) and I shot hundreds and hundreds of pucks, I think it’s one of the reasons I’m where I am today.”Article contentFresh startArticle contentShields’ road to success has not been without some challenges. Shields, who was drafted 11th overall by Cape Breton in the 2022 QMJHL Entry Draft, said the trade to Charlottetown provided an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to regain and build his confidence.Article content“Jim Hulton has a great reputation, a great record of not only developing smaller players into playing a hard gritty game, but also giving them the ice time,” said the five-foot-nine, 175-pound Shields. “The coaching staff here does a really good job of walking the line of facing a reality – but also not making it a harsh reality – and helping you develop and not lose your confidence at the same time.Article contentArticle content“Being able to play confident and play my game but also having them teach me when they can is a big part of why I love it here.”Article contentIn 30 games with the Islanders over the second half of the 2023-23 season, Shields recorded 11 goals and 20 points while registered 18 goals and 28 points in 55 regular-season games during the 2024-25 campaign.Article content“What I’ve been doing this year is taking every game as the home opener and a clean slate with no numbers involved, or comparables with any other players,” said Shields. “You take it as a clean slate and play with the same energy as if it was a home opener.Article content“When I’m playing with energy, that’s when I’m at my best, so I’ve been trying to focus on doing that game in and game out.”Article content Charlottetown Islanders forward Will Shields, 72, is off to a hot start in the 2025-26 QMJHL season. Shields has scored 11 goals in the Islanders’ first 13 games. Jason Simmonds/The Guardian Photo by Jason Simmonds/The Guardian /The GuardianArticle contentThe coaching staff had high expectations for Shields coming into this season. It’s safe to say he hasn’t disappointed.Article content“It’s no secret we talked a lot about certain guys that have to progress into prominent roles and Will was one,” said Hulton. “We talked about him being a potential 30-goal scorer for us to have success, and 11 goals in 13 games certainly tells you that he’s met that challenge and more out of the gates.”