On January 11, 2017, the Cleveland Monsters signed winger Shawn Szydlowski to a PTO contract.
From 2007-2011, the Erie Otters (OHL) was home to Szydlowski. Over the course of 258 games, he notched 197 points in the form of 94 goals and 103 assists. In 16 playoff games, Szydlowski scored almost as many points as there were games, 15 (6 goals, 9 assists).
During the 2010-11 season, Szydlowski donned the “A” on his chest and made two appearances in the pros with the Portland Pirates (AHL).
On April 8th 2011, the Buffalo Sabres (NHL) signed him to a three-year entry-level contract. During Szydlowski’s three-year contract, he didn’t see a single minute of ice time in the NHL.
The breakdown of where Szydlowski spent his three years is as such:
1st Year – 2011-12 season
-Rochester Americans (AHL) – 53 gp, 0 g, 8a
-Gwinnet Gladiators (ECHL) – 6 gp, 1 g, 2 a
2nd Year – 2012-13 season
-Rochester Americans (AHL) – 7gp, 0g, 0a
-Fort Worth Brahmas (CHL) – 45gp, 10g, 16a
3rd Year – 2013-14 season
-Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL) – 63gp, 11g, 15a; Playoffs – 11gp,6g, 5a
On July 29, 2014, Szydlowski signed a one-year ECHL contract to remain in Fort Wayne. He stayed with the Komets up until the Monsters signed him to a PTO contract.
Since the 2014-15 season, he has played in 150 games for the Komets scoring 94 goals and 114 assists. Szydlowski was called up to the AHL thrice during this time (Binghamton Senators, Lake Erie Monsters, Norfolk Admirals).
Szydlowski had impressed many in the ECHL over the years and was recently named to the 2017 ECHL All-Star Classic.
Szydlowski will wear number 19 for the Monsters. This was the same number he wore in honor of his hockey idol, Steve Yzerman, while with the Komets
On January 7th, the Komets retired Terry McDougall’s jersey. He also wore the number 19 and urged Szydlowski to continue wearing the number for the rest of the season.
If you were wondering what kind of man Szydlowski is off the ice, here is an article about his relationship with a boy in Fort Wayne who unfortunately died earlier this year. Szydlowski not only attended the funeral but was the boy’s pallbearer as well.