Nolan Shaefer is a man of many hats.
He not only spent this past year stopping pucks for Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss-A league, but he also put his hockey knowledge and art education to work by creating an app called "Ice Hockey Shootout."
"I started with the idea about a year ago," said Shaefer. "I obviously love hockey and travel a lot while playing. I play many apps on my phone and Ipad while I'm on the bus, or wherever and I could never find the type of game that I was looking for. I wanted to create a simple, yet challenging game. A game that encompassed hockey's "cool factor" or attitude. Being a goalie, I love equipment, and I wanted something that I could choose to customize the gear but still play as a shooter as well. There was nothing really out there like that from my perspective. So I just figured why not do it myself."
After playing for the Yorkton Mallers in the SMAAAHL and Nipawin Hawks in the SJHL, Shaefer went to Providence College where he became an art major. This education was vital in his development of the hockey shootout app.
"I am an art major, but with my schedule and trying to focus on my play, I kind of thought it would be too much work to actually make the game myself," he said. "So I went online and found a great developer, then hired them to do the job. After I was about half way into the development process, I wasn't really satisfied with how it was turning out, so I decided to take over the artwork aspect of the game. I designed every goalie, frame by frame, and most of the artwork you will see in the game."
What should fans expect from the hockey app? Well, according to Shaefer, they should anticipate a 'challenging and addictive game.'
"Fans should expect a surreal hockey game," the Yellow Grass, Sask., native said. "I wasn't trying to make it realistic. It's a one-on-one target shooting game, made for anyone, not just the hockey fan. They should expect an exaggerated version of the hockey attitude. They should expect a challenging, addictive game, filled with cool upgrades, sound effects, and some cool music!"
As for Shaefer's hockey career, the 33-year-old is enjoying his time in Switzerland after bouncing around five American Hockey League clubs and spending a short stint with the San Jose Sharks.
"I have loved it," said the Sharks' 166th draft pick of the 2000 NHL entry draft." It has been an awesome experience for my family and me. There is great food and people, and a beautiful landscape in a fantastic country. The hockey is very good, and I will be back next year and hopefully many seasons to come."
The "Ice Hockey Shootout" app is now available in the app store. To get more information on the app, follow Shaefer on Twitter @hockeyshootout.
