As a Canadian, Bates was born to like hockey

MADISON – Shawn Bates handles the position of center for his teammates with Huntsville Havoc Hockey.

“Home for me is Fort Saskatchewan in Alberta, Canada, but because of hockey I am only home for the summers,” Bates said.

During the last eight years, Bates has have lived or played hockey in Boston, Mass.; Columbus, Ga.; Atlanta, Ga.; Tulsa, Okla.; and now in Huntsville. Bates and his teammates all live in a Madison apartment complex.

Hockey and golf are his favorite sports, but hockey obviously takes the top slot for Bates. “You grow up with hockey being Canadian. It’s kind of in your blood,” he said.

For college, Bates “went to school out east in Boston, where I attended Merrimack College. I graduated with a sports management degree,” he said.

Q & A

Q: What are your favorite restaurants?

A: Bates likes to eat at Chipotle Mexican Grill, Texas Roadhouse and Chili’s Grill and Bar.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: “Steak, for sure!” Bates said.

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?

A: Washington Capitals.

Q: What’s your favorite sports memory?

A: For Bates, it’s a tossup. “Winning a provincial title in minor hockey, or playing at the ‘Garden’ in the Hockey East Final,” he said.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: “I like to spend time playing golf or video games,” Bates said.