Western Conference Hottie: James Sheppard (Minnesota Wild)

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: Played for Team Canada at the 2005 Under 18 Junior World Cup. He finished the 2004–2005 QMJHL season 4th in team scoring with 45 points. In January 2006, Sheppard was one of ten QMJHL participants to represent Team Orr in the CHL Top Prospects game, where he recorded one assist. Sheppard went on to finish the 2005–2006 QMJHL season 2nd in team scoring with 84 points. Sheppard wore the honor of team captain for the 2006–2007 season but was left off the roster of Team Canada for the 2006 IIHF World Under-20 Hockey Championship. However, he made the QMJHL Second All-Star Team in 2007. Drafted: Minnesota's 1st round choice, 9th overall, in 2006. The 21 year old left handed shot has played 2 full seasons for the Wild. Seems to have a better passing game than scoring game. (and I must admit, he can make a pass at me and score anytime.) As he recorded 19 points (4 goals - 15 assists totaling 19 points) in 78 career NHL games for Minnesota. He holds the Wild single-season record for games played by a rookie with 78 in 2007-08. He took the time during last years summer to take full advantage of being in the NHL, and doing some experimenting with his stick [don't believe me, read here] A cute little "Hockey 101" sort of thing to watch here.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: A baby-faced, 6'2, 210lbs chocolate center. Ok maybe I did get carried away with the "chocolate center" part, but take a look at him, and tell me I'm wrong. Dark blue eyes, and hair like a chocolate waterfall. [yes, I'm in an overly romantic mood] You've also gotta love this video of him and Josh Harding (who isn't too hard on the hormones either and I may do in a later post if no one has objections.) showing us around the Wild's team facilities. There's also this ADORABLE article, wherein he takes on some local kids in a video game tournament. Wears a size 15 shoe [no, I'm not making any comments about that, minds out of the gutter ladies, and stop laughing Stephanie] He is single and resides in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia during the off-season. (The fantasy that comes to mind upon hearing that, is the beach in Nova Scotia, and he reaches up and pulls you down on the beach chair with him, where you can get your fingers caught in that fabulous chocolate hair of his... Oops, gotta stop now.) Nicknames are “Shep”, “Roscoe” and “Jimmy”. His hobbies include playing the guitar and eating. Says winning bronze medal with Team Atlantic U17 and first fight [Yup, now I know why I fell in love with him so quickly.] as his favorite hockey moments. His favorite television show is “Entourage” and favorite movies are Wedding Crashers and The 300. Lists Usain Bolt as his favorite athlete and Chris Farley as the one person he would like to meet. Says the fans are the best part of playing hockey in Min. Cheese is his favorite food. He starting skating at the age of three at Sackville Arena. Says his family are the people who most inspired his hockey career. Favorite band is Third Eye Blind and Hockey News [this made me giggle] as his favorite magazine.