From Shelwood Farms to Olympic Gold

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Hockey Star Ella Shelton says ‘The farm taught me the value of hard work & perseverance.’

By Mary Loggan

Ella Shelton’s journey from the family farm in Ingersoll to the Professional Women’s Hockey League and the Olympic Games is a narrative of deep roots, hard work, and steadfast ambition.

Raised as the fourth generation on Shelwood Farms, Ella, 27, embodies a lifestyle that blends rural Ontario values with athletic achievement. She currently plays as a defenceman for the Toronto Sceptres of the PWHL, and is a member of the Canadian national team. Drafted fourth overall in the 2023 by the New York Sirens, Ella recorded the league’s first goal in January 2024.

Better Farming recently caught up with Ella to explore how her upbringing on the farm shaped the athlete she is today, and how those life lessons continue to influence her career and future goals.

Early life

“As far back as I can remember, the farm was my playground and my classroom,” Shelton says.

“Driving the combine, helping in the barn, or just being outside – it all made me feel connected and purposeful.”

Growing up on the farm was never just a backdrop for Shelton’s childhood; it was an active, formative environment.

Father Warren Shelton reflects, “All of our kids have played a role in our operation from a young age. They all have different schedules, but they’re good at filling gaps.

“We all work as a team – my wife Cathy, along with all of our children: Jesse, Jack, Ella, and Maxx.”

The Sheltons grow corn, soybeans, and wheat on 500 acres, which offers many hands-on experiences for all the children.

“Ella has always been an outdoors lover,” Warren shares. “She would come to help me pick stones and run tractors. Even as a kid, she wanted to be part of the farm, whether it was cutting grass or driving the combine.”

Ella recalls her early farm days fondly. “I actually really enjoy driving the combine. As a kid, I loved going to the barn and exploring different parts of the farm. I even wanted to be a vet.

“Being part of the farm made me feel connected; even when I was doing small tasks, I felt like I was a big part of the operation.”

The farm and community still provide Ella with a foundation.

“For the off-season, it’s nice to come home and experience the slower lifestyle. My bed is still home.”

Her mother, Cathy, adds, “There wasn’t pressure; we just involved our children from a young age. The farm life became part of their blood. Ella felt valued. It gave her a sense of ownership and responsibility.”

This involvement on the farm ran parallel to Ella’s passion for hockey, which began formally when she was around four years old. She later played junior hockey in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League for the London Jr. Devilettes and was a member of Ontario’s under-18 provincial team.

Life lessons on the farm

Ella explains that the farm was more than a place to work. “It was where I learned discipline, teamwork, and perseverance” – virtues which she says translated directly to competitive hockey.

Cathy notes, “We taught them responsibility, teamwork, and doing the best they can.”

Ella agrees. “Growing up, the work ethic on the farm shaped my focus and resilience in hockey. The values of hard work and commitment are the same, whether you’re in a combine or on skates.”

She shares how these lessons underpin her approach to the game and life: “Some of the things you learn on the farm – being responsible and working together – are exactly what you need in hockey and in life.

“It’s about doing your job well and trusting your teammates. Sometimes you lose, but knowing you gave your all makes all the difference.”

Warren admires Ella’s dedication. “Ella’s internal drive is impressive. Whether it’s hockey or farm work, she is motivated and focused. Seeing her dedication in training and on game day makes any parent proud.”

This focus has translated into a notable hockey career for Ella, who was named captain of the Clarkson University Golden Knights in her senior year there, before joining the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association.

Two seasons later, she landed in New York City and was immediately named an alternate captain.

And, of course, the move to New York was a big one.

“It was so different going from a small town to the largest city. The buildings replaced the trees, but hockey was still the sport I love.”

Ella confirms that “hockey can be intense and demanding, but I’ve learned to embrace that pressure. It drives me to push harder and stay focused.

“The farm taught me how to handle tough days, keep going, and be accountable not only to myself but to my team.”

Ella’s talent and accountability earned her a spot on Canada’s Olympic roster, where she helped the team win gold in 2022.

“Representing my country on the Olympic stage is the ultimate honour, and every goal, every shift, was fueled by the values I carry from home,” she says.

Plans for the future

Looking ahead, Ella is focused on continuing her hockey career while supporting the legacy of Shelwood Farms. She takes pride in what she has helped to build and looks forward to what she will continue to build.

Warren expresses hope for a generational transition. “I want the farm to move to the next generation smoothly. Everyone has ripples on the water, but I’m hopeful my children will take charge. I’ll always be here to help, but this is a team family effort.”

Cathy hopes her children remain connected to the farm no matter where life leads them. “The farm is a place we all gather for many reasons. It’s where the kids come to rebalance, to connect with family and heritage.”

Ella shares these sentiments while also setting ambitious professional goals. “My focus now is making the Olympic team again and excelling with the Toronto Sceptres in the new women’s league.

“I want to help Canada bring home another gold medal and share that journey with our family and community.”

Ella embraces the balance between her athletic ambitions and her farm roots.

“I love going back home, driving tractors, and helping out whenever I can. It’s what keeps me going. Being in Toronto now, close to home, feels good. It reminds me why I work hard – because I want to make my family proud and keep our farm strong.”

Despite the demands of professional sport, Ella’s connection to the farm remains a central pillar.

“The farm keeps us connected. I get to see my family, it keeps me grounded, and makes me proud of where I come from and where I am going.” BF