Shelby Bram extends proud family hockey legacy by signing with Buffalo Beauts

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As the youngest member of the Bram hockey family, 22-year old forward Shelby Bram has carved a proud legacy that complements the achievements of her seven brothers and sisters, along with father and influential coach Bill. Having recently signed with the NWHL’s Buffalo Beauts franchise, she is part of a growing trend of strong Canadian talent joining the incipient league.

Of note, she is one of several accomplished Canadian forwards joining the Beauts growing roster, including the likes of CIS stars such as Dana Skeats from Wilfrid Laurier, along with UBC’s Tatiana Rafter (who signed on the same day as Bram).

Following in the footsteps of her older sister Bailey, she spent the last four seasons playing with the prestigious Mercyhurst Lakers program in Erie, Pennsylvania. Of note, the two sisters were teammates during the 2011-12 Mercyhurst Lakers season.

Majoring in exercise science, Shelby played in more than 100 consecutive games with the program.
Among some of her impressive credentials includes the fact that she was recognized as an All-CHA First Team member in 2013, complemented by a pair of honors in 2014. Of note, she was named to the CHA All-Tournament Team, while earning the 2014 CHA Best Defensive Forward honor.
With Buffalo a stone’s throw away from Erie, it comes as no surprise that Shelby has opted to stay in the region to continue her hockey career. Having compiled 109 points during her Lakers career (she logged a career high 35 points in 2013-14), the product of Ste. Anne, Manitoba also brings experience with Canada’s U18 and U22/Development programs.

Considering that the Lakers have competed against programs from New York State in CHA conference play (along with NCAA play), hockey fans in the state are already familiar with her swift skating and strong playmaking abilities. Although her senior season saw a dip in her productivity, logging only 22 points, she did manage a pair of power play goals and short-handed goals, along with one game winning tally.

In her final 10 NCAA games, she managed 11 points, including a remarkable pair of multi-point performances. On her senior night (a February 14 tilt with Penn State), she compiled three points, including the game-winning tally. In addition, a four-point playoff performance against Lindenwood resulted in a series sweep.

Taking into account that Bailey Bram is a member of the CWHL’s Calgary Inferno franchise, the thought of the two sisters playing together once more was cause for optimistic speculation. Although Shelby’s decision to suit up with the Beauts prevents Western Canadian hockey fans from such a great opportunity, the consolation is the fact that she shall contribute to a great and exciting new chapter in women’s hockey.

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