When Shawn Baird arrives in Athens for his first season as a Bobcat, he won't know whether he'll play in front of his own goalie or up front by the opposing goalie.
But what the Pittsburgh native knows for certain is that, wherever he lines up, the heavy physical aspect of his game won't change.
"All the stuff that some players shy away from, I like to get in there and get involved," Baird said.
Baird spent the last two years in the Central Canada Hockey League playing for the Cornwall Colts and registered 23 total points and 88 penalty minutes in 99 games.
But Baird's value doesn't always stick out on the scoresheet, as he's one of the few players who can play both forward and defense.
"Since I've been playing hockey, I've been switching from forward and defense situations," Baird said. He's played hockey "since I could walk," he said, but his position depends on the coach's preference.
For a player to develop such versatility is no easy task, as the two positions see the game from different perspectives.
"On defense, the game is in front of you," Baird said. "As a forward, the puck's getting moved up behind you, so it takes a little of an adjustment to get used to it."
But Baird has developed the talents and instincts to play from both positions at a high level. In addition to practicing from both sides in Cornwall, the 21-year-old also shifted around during games at North Allegheny High School and Pittsburgh Penguins Elite, a Triple-A team from the Elite Hockey League.
Forward, however, is Baird's preferred position.
"I'd have to say forward is a bit more fun," Baird said. "I like being physical and getting in on the forecheck and hitting guys. I don't really shy away from battles or anything like that. You can change the game a little bit more in that aspect."
Coming to Ohio
Baird will already be familiar with some of his new teammates, as he previously played with forwards Pat Hannan and Cody Black and defenseman Jake Houston. He has previously played against forward Brock Rumbaugh and goalie Jimmy Thomas.
While Baird is looking forward to reuniting with some former teammates and past opponents, he's also intrigued to play under coach Sean Hogan, who is entering his fourth year as coach of the Bobcats.
"He seems like a great guy," Baird said of Hogan. "From what I've heard, he knows the game really well. When he was showing me around the campus, he was very relatable and made me feel welcome."
Baird hopes to help Ohio make another ACHA National Championship run. After seeing Ohio place as runner-up in the championship game last year, Baird hopes that this year's team has the capability of making the final step toward winning it all.
"Everyone's main goal is to win that national championship, and I hope that I can make an impact on the team next year and try to bring that back to Athens," Baird said.
