LHS Sophomore Lands Spot On National Hockey Team

Number one goalie, Adam Scheel.

When you have a dream, you are willing to go to great lengths to achieve it. For LHS sophomore Adam Scheel, that entails leaving your home, your family, your friends, your school and all that is comfortable to play hockey at the highest level.

In the fall, Scheel will move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to join the U.S. National Team Development Program as the U-17 team’s number one goalie. It is a big step on the way to Scheel’s dream of earning a scholarship to play Division 1 collegiate hockey and the ultimate goal of playing in the NHL.

“I’m kind of sad to be leaving Lakewood, but I’m mostly excited,” Scheel said.  

To be invited to be part of the national development program is to be among the elite of national youth hockey players. Only 50 players, including six goalies, were invited to try out for the team that Scheel made. Two goalies were selected, with Scheel designated as the team’s top keeper.

Scheel, who has been playing hockey since he was a wee 3 years old, will finish out his remaining two years of high school at Pioneer High in Ann Arbor and live with a host family. His new team is part of the US Hockey League, the top junior hockey league in the country. Teams travel around the Midwest for games and occasionally make an overseas trip for international competition.

In search of the highest level of competition he could find, Scheel passed on joining the Rangers hockey team and has played for the Cleveland Barons, part of the Tier 1 Hockey League, an elite youth league.

Athletes at the elite level are known for their drive and determination. Scheel has both, and good genes. His mom, Megan McGuire Scheel, was a standout LHS athlete in the ‘80s. He also has something else that has served him well through his hockey advancement. When asked if he was surprised at his selection for the national team, he replied, “No, I’m always pretty confident.”

Good luck to Adam as he moves on to this new and exciting chapter!