Q and A with Lincoln Stars Sniper Dominik Shine
Dominik Shine has an appropriate last name, as he was a shining star on a Lincoln team that finished at the bottom of the USHL standings last season. The 17-year-old forward finished among the top rookies in points, racking up 29 of them (15G,14A) in 54 games for the Stars, which sat him 3rd overall on the club in scoring. Despite being not overly big, at 5-foot-10, 160-pounds, the feisty Shine led Lincoln in penalty minutes with 165, as he didn’t back down from any challenges that were thrown his way. He is a phenomenal skater that has the ability to turn on the jets and burn defensemen to the outside and create great scoring chances. He can dish the puck, and has a blistering shot to go with very good vision and hockey sense, and is a very good two-way forward that works hard each shift. The crafty Shine is committed to play collegiate hockey for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he will join his fellow Stars teammate Ryan Dzingel. Both Shine and Dzingel will be looked upon to be the corner pieces for Lincoln’s offense next season, and if they can get some genuine goal scorers to surround the dynamic twosome with, the Stars could be vastly improved come the 2010-11 season. Dominik Shine is a kid with a ton of potential, that indeed has a bright future in hockey ahead of him. I had a chance to catch up with the budding young star for a quick Q and A.
You had a good season, on a Lincoln Stars club that finished dead last in the USHL standings. How difficult was that for you as you were doing everything in your power to win, but not getting results as a team?
Dominik: It was very tough to see our team work so hard, on and off the ice, and come up short almost every game. I just played my game and hoped for the best.
On a positive note, you and Ryan Dzingel had some chemistry and are both returning. You both committed to Ohio State recently. Was he an influence in your decision to go to the Buckeyes program?
Dominik: Ryan was a definite factor in me choosing Ohio State, but there is a better chance for me to play and get quality minutes there, and it is close to my family.
Who has helped you the most in developing your game so far?
Domink: My coaches growing up were great and showed me how to play the game. When it comes to the little things, I think I helped myself learn them on my own.
You are not overly big, but you have had quite a few fights, and racked up a team high 165 minutes in penalties this season. Is the physical side of your game something you feel is overlooked?
Dominik: Yes, you could say people overlook that aspect of my game for sure, and I feel that if I keep playing the way I am capable of, that people will start to take note.
Do you recall your first hockey fight, and what started it?
Dominik: My first hockey fight was against West Seneca when I was playing for Compuware my squirt year. It was a bench clearing brawl, that started with a hit on the goalie.
You have scored quite a few goals in your career so far, is there one that stands out as your biggest?
Dominik: The biggest goal I think that I’ve scored so far was against Omaha in my third USHL game, it tied it up at two, and put our team back in the game.
Is there a player in the NHL you model your game after?
Dominik: I love the way Ryan Kesler and Ryan Getzlaf play, so I try to play somewhere in between those two.
What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the USHL?
Dominik: Well, in our home opener I scored my first USHL goal, and that was a moment in my life that I’ll never forget.
Who, in your opinion, is the toughest player to play against in the USHL, and why?
Dominik: The toughest player to play against was Jaden Schwartz of the Tri-City Storm, he seemed to always find a way to beat you or get the puck.
What is the highlight of your young career thus far?
Dominik: The highlight of my career so far were probably the two hat tricks I had this year against Sioux Falls and Fargo. I couldn’t believe them when they happened!
With next season being your NHL draft year, do you feel any added pressure to perform well?
Dominik: Well, the pressure is always there, but I feel that I should be able to take it and use it in a positive way, and help myself perfrom better.
What was the worst visiting arena to play in last season, and why?
Dominik: I would have to say Des Moines because the floor of the locker room is always dripping wet.
Favorite thing to do in your downtime from hockey?
Dominik: My favorite thing to do is just relax and play xbox…I could play all day!
