Written By: Kieran Lang, Bobcat Content Writer
Bismarck, N.D. – Bismarck Bobcats alumni goaltender Ian Shane has quickly become one of the best goalies in all of hockey with Cornell University. At the college level, Shane has a 56-28-16 record, posting an unbelievable 1.85 career goals against average and a .917 save percentage. Among goalies that have played at least 40 games in college, Ian Shane is ranked ninth in goals against average.
Cornell Hockey sports information director Marshall Haim recalled the story of the first time Ian Shane saw action as Cornell’s goaltender “coach Schaeffer walking into the locker room as he was a freshman in December. And he looked at him and he goes, don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten about you.” he then said “Ian, you’re going, you’re going out there, and he held the fort down pretty well. And then the next weekend it was a trip out to North Dakota, which is a very hostile environment for a lot of goaltenders. And that was his first collegiate start was at the Ralph in Grand Forks, and he ended up aiding the Big Red to a two game sweep of the fighting Hawks on their home ice. It’s the first time that they were swept at home in over four years.”

Cornell’s Ian Shane, #30, on Nov. 2, 2024 at Lynah Rink in Ithaca, NY. Cornell Men’s Ice Hockey trail 2-3 against North Dakota at the end of the 2nd period. (Caroline Sherman/Cornell Athletics)
Cornell’s Ian Shane, #30, on Nov. 2, 2024 at Lynah Rink in Ithaca, NY. Cornell Men’s Ice Hockey trail 2-3 against North Dakota at the end of the 2nd period. (Caroline Sherman/Cornell Athletics)
This story led to a conversation about Ian Shane’s abilities in big game situations. Shane has been one of the best when it comes to ranked competition, especially when that competition sits at the top. “Ian’s done really well against ranked opponents, especially those that are in the top six. So I compiled all the information. He’s now 12-3-0 against opponents that are ranked six or higher. His goals against average is 1.19 and his save percentage is over .960” said Haim.
Shane’s career at Cornell is nearing an end, but Haim knows he’ll have success no matter what happens next: “whether he goes pro or, I’m not sure if he has a fifth year available. But wherever he goes next, they are going to be getting one of the best.” Shane has proven that and more, the Big Red still have 8 regular season games left on the schedule, and you can expect to see Ian Shane in most, if not all, of those games.

Cornell’s Ian Shane, #30, on Nov. 2, 2024 at Lynah Rink in Ithaca, NY. Cornell Men’s Ice Hockey trail 2-3 against North Dakota at the end of the 2nd period. (Caroline Sherman/Cornell Athletics)