Terrier Alumni Spotlight: Warren Shymko

This week’s installment of the Terrier Alumni Spotlight, we go back to 2009-2012 and catch up with local product, Warren Shymko. Shymko, from Calder Saskatchewan, played three seasons with the Yorkton Terriers from 2009 to 2012.

Prior to his time with the Terriers, Shymko played two seasons with the Saskatoon Contacts of the SMAAAHL. During his time there Shymko played a total of 44 games played. In his first season, Shymko played in 18 games, having a GAA of 3.36 and a save percentage of .897. In year two he saw his stats improve, playing in 26 games, with a GAA of 2.27 and a save percentage of .915. Shymko would also play in six playoff games that season.

In 2009, Shymko saw his first action of Junior hockey. Shymko would play 16 games with the Saskatoon Royals and 5 games with the Saskatoon Westleys. Shymko also got the call up to the Terriers that season, playing in 2 regular season games and had a 3.56 GAA and a .851 save percentage. In 2010-2011, Shymko started 28 games recording a record of 12 wins, 9 losses and 3 shoot out losses. That season Shymko had a 2.86 GAA and a save percentage of .910. In the playoffs, Shymko played in three playoff games, winning each game. That season say the Terriers, once again lose in the league final to the La Ronge Ice Wolves in back-to-back seasons.

2011-2012 was Shymko’s best season as a netminder for the Terriers. Playing in 31 games, Shymko had a record of 18-11-0-2, while rocking a 2.46 GAA and a save percentage of .912. Shymko helped the Terriers finish in fifth at the end of the season. In the playoffs, Shymko started four games and had a record of 1-3.

Shymko was getting ready to play his 20-year-old season and during the summer was traded to the Kindersly Klippers. During his year with the Klippers, Shymko played 31 games and had a record of 11-16-0-0. That season Shymko helped the Klippers make the playoffs and played in 3 games with a record of 1-2. With Shymko’s junior career over, he decided to continue his hockey and educational journey heading to the University of Ottawa.

Shymko’s post junior career saw him play for the University of Ottawa for one year and the University of Lethbridge for three seasons. Since finishing school, Shymko still plays some senior hockey. Shymko played three seasons with the Esterhazy Flyers of the THL and was supposed to play for the Theodore Buffalos this season but was unable to play due to COVID-19.

Q and A with Warren Shymko

Name and years played with the Terriers?

Warren Shymko 2009-2012

Favourite memory during your time with the Terriers?

The group of guys I played with.

Toughest SJHL opponent and hardest rink to play in?

Flin Flon or La Ronge in the playoffs

How did your time with the Terriers help get you to where you are today?

Loved playing locally in front of my family but playing locally is always tougher. It made my character stronger and matured me quicker.

Favourite TV show or movie?

Couples Retreat or Bad Boys II

What are you up to these days?

I work for AGI as a sales manager for Eastern Saskatchewan and Northern Manitoba, as well as farm on the side still.

What are your plans for the next 3-5 years?

Continue to move up within my company with hard work and start a family. Travel again when able to.

Favourite athlete of all time?

Patrick Roy/ Gerald Shymko

Favourite Meal/Food?

Perogies or sushi.

Favourite Music/Musician?

Any sort of EDM

What are some of your hobbies?

Senior hockey, working out and golf.

Favourite sport other than hockey?

NFL football