Former Shaler Area defenseman named to NA3HL rookie team

Yellowstone Quake defenseman Spencer Platt moves the puck during a NA3HL contest during the 2019-20 season. Platt, a Glenshaw native and former Shaler Area standout, finished fourth on the team with 36 points in 47 games.
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By Josh Rizzo
Spencer Platt found being knocked off his skates wasn't so bad.

When the 5-foot-9, 155-pound defenseman decided to forgo his senior season at Shaler Area High School to play in the North American 3 Hockey League, he knew adjustments would be necessary. Facing older players and moving to Cody, Wyo., were sure to provide new challenges.

Platt, 18, found the right balance to flourish with the Yellowstone Quake. Platt was named to the NA3HL All-Rookie team in March. He finished fourth on the team with 36 points, including 28 assists and eight goals in 47 games.

"I think it was a great place to start for me," Platt said. "It got me into the rhythm of playing with guys who are 20 or 21 years old. Those guys are three inches taller and 50 pounds heavier who have more knowledge of the game than I do. I knew it was going to be an adjustment because when these guys hit at the next level, they hit hard. Once you get hit hard a few times, it's not that bad."

Platt, who was a PIHL Class AA All-Star as a junior with the Titans, found plenty of support while away from home. The billet family he lived with watched him as actively as his family members.

"Being a smaller defenseman, I relied on my speed," Platt said. "I also had a really great host family that they were all telling me what I could do better. My family would be watching the games on Hockey TV and they'd call me after. Even my coaches would break down video of me to watch on my own. I want to move up and that's what it takes."

Platt didn't end up getting all the clips he wanted. 

The Quake's season was cut short following the Frontier Division quarterfinals. Yellowstone, which finished in fourth place with a 19-25-2-1 record, were set to play division winner Bozeman in the semifinals when the season was canceled due to the coronavirus in mid-March. The Quake swept Gillette 2-0 in the first round.

"After the first round of the playoffs, we were coming together more than we had all year," Platt said. "I think if anything that series (with Bozeman) would have gone to three games, win or lose."

With one season of junior hockey under his belt, Platt has his eye on trying to work toward being a collegiate player. While the Quake still own his rights, Platt has requested a trade to try and get closer to Western Pennsylvania.

Platt's spoken with the Johnstown Tomahawks and Bismarck (N.D.) Bobcats of the Tier II North American Hockey League.

The NAHL's draft is in June. Until then, Platt is going to focusing on training the best way he can.

"Without ice time, that's a major loss for training," Platt said. "I'm fortunate enough to have shooting pads at my house. I can also do some running and overall fitness. I want to do whatever it takes to stay in shape and eat right."