Oxford County is Ready to Cheer on Ella Shelton

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Wednesday, 16 February 2022 11:42

photo courtesy of @ellashelton on Instagram

Ella Shelton's parents Warren and Cathy are having a hard time keeping busy today as they get set to watch their daughter compete for a gold medal tonight when Canada takes on the USA.

FOLDENS - Do not disturb Oxford County between 11:00 pm and 2:00 am this evening as we will be watching hockey.

It is a dream come true for Folden's Ella Shelton as she gets set to compete for a gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. She will be playing defence and wearing number 17 as the Canadian women's team goes up against the USA in the women's hockey final.

Heart FM was able to speak with her parents today, Warren and Cathy Shelton and to say they are excited for the big game, would be a bit of an understatement.

"We are definitely excited and we are just looking at each other, trying to keep busy today to pass time before the game."

You could tell the parents were smiling from ear to ear during the phone conservation this morning, despite running on little sleep over the past couple of weeks watching all of the games. The Shelton home is decorated in red and white tonight and they will be watching the game with family.

"We have our small posse of family members getting together at our place. We would love to be able to get together on a big scale with everyone who has shown support. We sort of feel like we are collectively watching this game with Oxford County."

The Shelton's really appreciate the support of Oxford County during the games. They have noticed all the signs, posters and support for Ella Shelton.

"The signs are just amazing, people you didn't think were paying attention and then you drive by and they have a big sign right on the front lawn."

Shelton started her hockey career playing boys hockey in Ingersoll. She grew her game to the point where she started getting scouted by NCAA schools south of the border. Shelton committed to the Clarkson Golden Knights, serving as the teams captain in her senior year. Shelton led the Golden Knights in blocked shots with 81 during her junior year. She was also named a finalist for the ECAC's Best Defenseman Award during her senior year.

Reaching the gold medal game at the Olympics is the pinnacle of women's hockey and in many ways a validation for all of the hard work and sacrifices Ella has made along the way to be one of the very best in the world at her position.

Ella did not reach this point on her own. She was helped along the way by a very supporting family who took her to those 6:00 am practices and cheered her on every step of the way. Cathy Shelton admits watching Ella compete on the highest of stage tonight is also validation for the parents.

"It has definitely been a family and an extended family effort to get her to where she is now. Her brothers are excessively proud of her and are there 100 percent behind her and she has so many family members that are cheering her on."

Cathy remembers watching the 2006 Olympics with Ella, who pointed at the TV and told her she was going to play on this stage one day. Well that day is today.

Heart FM will be airing the full interview with Warren and Cathy Shelton at 4:45 today. You can listen to a sneak peak below:

We will also be airing an interview with Ella's extended Shelton family who are also excited for the big game. That interview will air at 5:15 today.