CANUCKS’ KIEFER SHERWOOD PROVING TO BE A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
When the Vancouver Canucks signed Kiefer Sherwood to a one-year, two-way contract in the offseason, not many people took notice. Sherwood, a 28-year-old winger, had already made stops in Anaheim, Colorado, and Nashville, but had yet to establish himself as a regular NHL player.
However, Sherwood’s determination and work ethic have caught the attention of the Canucks’ coaching staff and management. According to Derek Dorsett, the Canucks’ Director of Player Development, Sherwood has done a “tremendous job” of finding his niche role in the NHL.
“Kiefer has done a tremendous job of finding that niche role, what it takes to be an effective player,” Dorsett said. “He has a long runway ahead of him. He’s a guy who’s always looking to improve, always looking to get better. He’s a true professional.”
Sherwood’s path to the NHL has not been an easy one. Undrafted out of junior hockey, he worked his way up through the ranks, playing in the ECHL and AHL before finally getting his chance in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks in 2018.
Despite bouncing around the league, Sherwood has never given up on his dream of becoming a full-time NHL player. He has continued to work tirelessly on his game, always looking for ways to improve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the NHL.
“Kiefer is a guy who’s always looking to get better,” Dorsett said. “He’s always asking questions, always seeking feedback. He’s a true student of the game. He’s got a great attitude, a great work ethic. He’s a guy who’s going to make the most of every opportunity he gets.”
Sherwood’s dedication and perseverance have not gone unnoticed by the Canucks’ coaching staff. Head coach Bruce Boudreau has been impressed with Sherwood’s play, particularly his speed and aggressiveness on the forecheck.
“Kiefer’s been a great addition to our team,” Boudreau said. “He’s got a lot of speed, a lot of energy. He’s a guy who can play up and down the lineup. He’s been a great fit for us so far.”
As the season wears on, Sherwood will continue to be an important part of the Canucks’ lineup. His speed, energy, and determination make him a valuable asset to the team, and his willingness to learn and adapt will only continue to serve him well as he looks to establish himself as a full-time NHL player.
“Kiefer’s got a great attitude, a great work ethic,” Dorsett said. “He’s a guy who’s going to make the most of every opportunity he gets. He’s got a long runway ahead of him, and we’re excited to see what he can do.”
With his tireless work ethic and determination to succeed, Kiefer Sherwood is proving to be a diamond in the rough for the Vancouver Canucks. As the season continues to unfold, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this talented and dedicated young player.
