SHEA SPANIER: ISRAEL ELITE HOCKEY LEAGUE GOALIE BY STEPHANIE ABRAMS
VERMONT'S OWN SHEA SPANIER: ISRAEL ELITE HOCKEY LEAGUE GOALIE BY STEPHANIE ABRAMS
Did you know that the State of Israel has a professional ice hockey league? In fact, one of the star players in the Israel Elite Hockey League (IEHL) is Shea Spanier of Williston, Vermont. Who knew!
Shea, a successful 25-year-old goaltender who makes his living playing and promoting hockey, has roots in Vermont and Israel. Years ago, Shea and his parents, Arnie and Beth Spanier, chose beautiful Vermont as the best place to anchor the family in pursuit of Shea's hockey dreams and education. Shea graduated from both high school and Kent State University as a sought-after student-athlete and assistant coach. The popular Spanier family still call Vermont home.
In Summer of 2020, Shea received international recognition. The new Israel Elite Hockey League recruited him to play professional ice hockey in Israel. The Jewish goalie signed with the new league, made aliyah, and moved to Israel.
To promote the sport of and goodwill towards Israel, Shea and the IEHL created the 2023-24 Israel Selects Season Tour against North American college hockey teams. The first two-game series in September saw Shea playing for Israel against his alma mater, Kent State. The games drew excited crowds and positive attention from the Cleveland Jewish community, as well as the Kent State Hillel. The Hillel rabbi even held a Shabbat event at the ice rink in conjunction with the game.
History in the making!
Actually, the Spanier family already holds a part in Israeli history. The exuberant goaltender's grandmother Allegra Azouz Spanier served in the Haganah (Jewish underground freedom fighters in pre-state Israel) when she was 14-years-old. Allegra, who was blessed with a long life, pretended that she was 18 in order to drive a tank for the Jewish Israeli cause.
When the IEHL is in season, Shea enjoys spending time in Israel with his cousins, driving around the country, and documenting his experiences. This year, Shea is also signed to tend goal with a semi-pro league in Canada.
To keep up with Shea, check out his YouTube channel and Instagram site @SSpanier30. The dark-haired Jewish goalie documents his journey of playing minor pro hockey, playing in Israel, and provides invaluable training tips. Shea produces and stars in the entertaining YouTube videos geared towards teenagers and adults.
