Kaylin Schellenberg: New ACAC Career Saves Leader

 Once told by a coach they had to Google her because they were not familiar with her playing resume, SAIT Trojans women's hockey goaltender Kaylin Schellenberg has since played her way into the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference's (ACAC) record book as the league's all-time leader in saves made.

"It all goes back to being a walk-on and how I grew up playing. I never touched ice in a Double-A hockey game, I never played Triple-A hockey. I only ever played what's considered house league hockey," said the 25-year-old Schellenberg, who started her ACAC career back in the 2018-19 season. "Walking on at SAIT was a huge accomplishment for me. I certainly never expected to play all five years, but I'm glad I bit the bullet and decided to do so." 

Schellenberg broke the record on Oct. 27 when she made save 35 of 59 in SAIT's 2-0 loss to Lakeland College to surpass MacEwan University's Sandy Heim's previous mark of 1,558 career ACAC saves.

"To see Kaylin break the ACAC's women's hockey record for most career saves is a testament to how hard she has worked since first joining us back in 2018," said SAIT's Director of Athletics and Recreation, Wade Kolmel. "Throughout her five seasons as a Trojan, she has battled on the ice every night to give her team an opportunity to win. We congratulate her on this wonderful achievement."

Following a 24-save 3-2 win over Medicine Hat College a few nights later, Schellenberg now sits at 1,607 career saves.

What's even more impressive is the fact Heim made her mark in 69 career regular season games – facing an average of 22.5 shots per game. Schellenberg etched her name into ACAC history in just 53 contests – an average of just over 30 shots per game.

Schellenberg's hard work between the pipes has largely gone unnoticed due to some tough seasons for the Trojans. But last year, the league took note and rewarded her with the 2023-24 ACAC Women's Hockey Player of the Year Award following a season in which she posted a sparkling 1.59 goals against average and outrageous .957 save percentage.

"That one was pretty unexpected," admitted Schellenberg, who became the first Trojan to win the award since Tonya Faasse did so back in the 2006-07 season.

Amanda McLeod, Schellenberg's head coach the past three seasons has leaned on her netminder to help bring along what has been a very young team the past couple of years.

"Her story, from youth hockey to walking on to the Trojans to becoming the league MVP last season embodies Kaylin's perseverance and commitment to continuous improvement. Her path to becoming the ACAC's all-time saves leader is truly inspiring," said McLeod. "Our young team the past two seasons has benefitted from Kaylin's steady and consistent leadership. She leads by example and is an encouraging teammate."

When asked how she would sum up her career, Schellenberg admitted a long playoff run would be a nice way to go out. But, if that were not to happen, she will be able to hang up the pads with no regrets.

"I have taken the road less travelled to get where I am today. I remind myself every day that I was not ever expected to reach this level" she said with pride. "The accomplishments I was able to achieve and the years I was able to put in helping my team to the best of my ability makes me proud of my career with SAIT."

Written by Brody Mark