A Different Ice Path: The Unconventional Hockey Journey of Shai Buium's Family
Embracing the Icy Passions: From Skepticism to Hockey Devotion
When Shai Buium first expressed an interest in hockey at age six, it wasn’t warmly received. “Over my dead body,” his mother said, reflecting a common reaction from families unfamiliar with the sport. Little did they know, they were about to embark on a life-changing journey. Shai’s parents, Miriam and Sorin, had immigrated from Israel to California, a place far removed from ice hockey’s traditional roots. Yet this unexpected path led them to raise three sons, each discovering his passion for the game.
Southern California’s Ice: From Rollerblades to Rinks
Living in San Diego, Shai’s sporting aspirations were rooted in family influence. A cousin’s love for the Red Wings sparked his curiosity, setting the stage for years of competitive street hockey with his brothers. Engaging in relentless 1-on-1-on-1 battles, Shai thrived on sibling rivalry, honing skills that would propel him into promising prospects.
The Commute of Passion: Distance No Barrier
By age 10, hunger for challenge led Shai to join Los Angeles Jr. Kings, a premier youth organization. Their journey demanded a two-hour commute from San Diego – an odyssey filled with schoolwork, home-cooked meals, and scenic drives led by his supportive mother. The sacrifice paid off, with all three Buium brothers joining Jr. Kings, turning long rink days into racecourses for dreams.
Into the Heartland: Minnesota’s Ice Magic
A profound early hockey education was just the beginning. At 14, Shai and his brothers moved to Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Minnesota, a legendary hockey prep school. There, dreams crystallized as they followed footsteps of stars like Sidney Crosby. According to Grand Rapids Griffins, this idyllic setting balanced academic rigor with a nourishing hockey environment.
From Draft to Destiny: Ascension to Pro Hockey
Shai’s dedication took him to Denver University, where joining forces with brother Zeev was a pinnacle moment. Drafted by the Red Wings, his youthful California fascination came full circle. With Zeev drafted by the Wild, the Buium brothers’ presence in the NHL became a symbol of their unexpected hockey odyssey.
Reflections on the Dream: A Look Forward
From reluctant beginnings to thriving in the NHL circuit, Shai and his family embraced change and resilience. Each season, returning to California serves as a reminder of their journey—a journey marked not just by hockey milestones, but by bonds that go deeper than sporting success. Shai may struggle with surfing, but in ice hockey, he found where he belongs.
The Buium family’s story is a testament to passion’s power to transcend conventional norms. In chasing hockey dreams, they carved out a legacy underscored by family unity, relentless pursuit, and transformative possibilities upon the ice.
