A Career To Lust Over

In September, Shane Lust will become the first SAIT Trojans men’s hockey alumnus to play in the Ligue Magnus, France’s national hockey circuit, as a member of the Morzine-Avoriaz Penguins.

And with Morzine considered somewhat of a winter wonderland, the fine print caught Lust’s eye.

“In my contract, actually, it says I get a ski pass and all-new ski equipment… and I like to snowboard,” grins the 24-year-old Calgarian. “So I think I’ll be taking it up again, enjoying the mountains.”

That’s not hard to imagine, given that Morzine is nestled in the northern French Alps — a short drive to Olympic Winter Games host cities Chamonix and Albertville, and smack-dab in the middle of the Portes du Soleil, a world-class ski destination.

Lust also has something to prove as he launches his hockey career in this enviable location. Since the 1997-98 season, a total of 29 former Trojans have gone on to professional men’s hockey careers in England, Germany, Denmark, and the United States — but none in France.

After spending four seasons in Trojan red and white, Lust leaves SAIT Polytechnic as the school’s all-time leader in regular-season goals (74) and points (152). He and his Trojan teammates were denied a fourth straight Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference championship by the Mount Royal University Cougars in March, but Lust’s tireless efforts earned him the 2010-11 Conference men’s hockey player-of-the-year award, as well as playoff MVP honours.

“The owner of the (Morzine-Avoriaz) club admitted to me that he’s got questions about signing a player from our league. He wants me to prove that Canadian college players can play in the (Ligue Magnus), and he’s really looking forward to seeing me show my stuff,” says Lust, who signed a one-year contract in France.
It’s a fair bit of pressure, but Lust believes his time as a Trojan has prepared him for it.

“I can say that over my four years at SAIT, I’ve become a harder worker on the ice,” he adds. “Coach (Ken Babey) pushed me the whole time to be that better player, and in the end I was pushing myself.”

Babey, who’s entering his 25th season at the helm of the Trojans men’s hockey squad, has a network of pro contacts, thanks to his work with Hockey Canada. Babey not only recommended Lust for the Penguins’ open roster spot, but helped negotiate Lust’s first pro contract, as well.

“Shane became a well-rounded player at SAIT. He came here with an exciting set of offensive skills, but learned the value of hard work and what it takes to win,” says Babey. “He’s been a regular contributor to our Trojan Outreach Program, doing community work and helping run clinics . . . (pro clubs) look for guys who can bring that to the table, developing minor hockey in France.

“And with (the Penguins’ owner) running a number of other businesses, it didn’t hurt that Shane majored in marketing and finance at SAIT. That was part of the package — Shane can offer something on and off the ice, and perhaps even work for the team in another capacity.”

As a Canadian playing in Europe, Lust will now be on the radar for annual tournaments such as the Deutschland Cup and Spengler Cup, with a chance at wearing the Maple Leaf. Hockey Canada brass won’t be the only ones watching.

“If coach Babey sends over a good player,” notes Lust, “it may open up a lot of opportunities for other Trojans to play over there eventually.”