Men's Ice Hockey | October 26, 2016

-- Victoria Smith, wmubroncos.com contributing writer

KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Senior Sheldon Dries is commonly known throughout the Western Michigan hockey program as a person of very few words. Not a very vocal person he prefers to lead in another way, by example.

At the age of 17, Dries left his home in Macomb, Mich., and headed eight hours away to Green Bay, Wis., to join the Green Bay Gamblers in the United States Hockey League. Over two seasons with the Gamblers, Dries amassed 41 goals and 46 assists, piquing the interest of several collegiate hockey teams, including Western Michigan.

Dries was already familiar with the Bronco program as his father, Todd Dries, suited up for the Brown & Gold from 1986-87. While the opportunity to follow his father's footsteps was a plus, his decision to play at Western Michigan was really a decision made with his entire family in mind.

While he was in Green Bay, Dries says his tight-knit family wasn't able to make it to games as often as they liked and sometimes they only saw each other once a month or so. What made Western Michigan stand out to Dries was knowing his family could come support him in Kalamazoo and watch his career continue to develop on the ice.

"They put in all the time, effort, and money to put me through youth hockey," Dries said. "I know it means a lot to my family that they can see me play. I knew Western Michigan would be home."

Dries played significant minutes for the Broncos as a rookie, and as a sophomore was named assistant captain, later being elevated to captain that same season. Now as a senior, Dries finds himself a part of Bronco hockey history, becoming just the second player ever to wear the "C" for three seasons, joining Dana Lattery who captained the Broncos from 2001-04.

"As a freshman I really wanted to be a leader on the ice, but by my actions not my words," Dries explained. "Blocking shots, finishing hard, I wanted to do all the little things to help my team win. Actions speak louder than words."

Head coach Andy Murray believes Dries is the best kind of leader there is. One who speaks less and does more in three important areas: in the classroom, on the ice and socially.

"Sheldon takes a great deal of pride in what it means to be a Bronco," Murray said. "We ask our players to be all in ... in everything that they do, and Sheldon is all in."

Dries experienced great personal success his sophomore and junior seasons, finishing first and second on the team respectively in scoring. Unfortunately, last year the team as a whole struggled on the ice to win games. While there were some highs, the Broncos had to battle through the lows. The team easily could have developed a losing attitude but it was Dries who kept his teammates motivated and looking at the bigger picture.

"Losing is tough and tensions were high at times," said current sophomore and assistant captain Griffen Molino. "On top of all of that it's a long season in general, but under the leadership of Sheldon he was able to galvanize us."

"When things aren't going the way you want, that's when you have to focus on the little things the most," Dries said. "You have to believe that with good habits and hard work, things will turn back around. I also just tried to constantly remind the guys that we are playing a game that we love. I think experiencing the disappointing season last year made us more hungry this year."

Both Dries and Molino agree that everything about the 2016-17 season feels different. The results can be seen thus far on the ice as well, as Western Michigan is off to a 3-0-1 start and is receiving votes in both national polls. The Broncos aim to control the puck and according to Dries, be a team other schools consider miserable to play against.

"Last year we gave the puck away too much," Dries said. "Keep the puck, don't give it away, we work so hard for it," is a sort of a team motto Dries rattles off.

"You can see the change in practice every day," Dries says. "Everyone is buying into the system and the credit goes to the coaches for getting the team to buy into the common goal of winning."

Dries also compliments the Lawson Lunatics, the student section at Western Michigan, for the pivotal role they play in changing the pace of games.

"Hands down, we have the best fans in the country," Dries says. "Even if we are behind, we know they can help us swing the momentum and they are huge moral boosters."

Outside of the hockey realm, Dries is an easy-going guy who takes a great deal of pride in his school work. He has twice been named to the All-Academic team by the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Like most college students Dries says he just wants to have as many tassels as possible to wear at graduation.

After his days of playing competitive hockey are behind him, Dries, a criminal justice major, hopes to eventually become a police officer. He says he wants to work up the ranks to the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Secret Service  ... again, just a part of his say less, do more attitude.