As happens so often for Americans overseas, Andy Iles and Shayne Stockton finally established a relationship thousands of miles from home. With a slight age gap, the two never really crossed paths playing in upstate New York. Although, as teammates this season, they’ve naturally learned of many shared acquaintances. Yet, while they might not have had an actual relationship, both guys had heard of the other because both guys had been impact players long before sharing the rink in Scotland.
Stockton grew up in Rochester. He would advance through the youth ranks and end up playing Junior B hockey. However, as he continued to get better, he realized he would have to leave New York. "There wasn’t a Junior A program in Rochester, at that point, so I knew I had to go somewhere," Stockton said. That somewhere was Brockville, Ont. It proved to be a great move. Stockton improved each year and would lead his team in scoring during his third, and final, stint. He also would help that team to the finals, as well as a championship in the Fred Page Cup, a CHL-type tournament between the top junior teams from different leagues.
All of this, naturally, attracted college scouts. While many requested Stockton’s services, it was Holy Cross that won the honor. "I just thought that that was the best place for me," Stockton conveyed. "Felt like that was where I was meant to go."
