Imagine a laid-back California surfer paired with a high-energy Bostonian on the ice – it’s like a sports comedy waiting to happen. But this unlikely duo, Ryan Shea and Jack St. Ivany, isn’t just a punchline; they’re holding down the Pittsburgh Penguins’ third defensive pairing with surprising effectiveness. One’s all chill and sunshine, the other’s got that East Coast intensity, yet somehow, it works. And this is the part most people miss: their contrasting personalities might just be the secret sauce to their on-ice chemistry.
On the surface, Shea and St. Ivany couldn’t be more different. Shea, a California native, embodies the relaxed surfer vibe, while St. Ivany, a Massachusetts native, brings a high-strung, Boston-accented energy to the rink. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite their contrasting personalities, they share a hockey foundation as mid-round draft picks with a penchant for disciplined, by-the-book play. It’s almost like a Neil Simon play – an odd couple thrown together, yet finding unexpected harmony.
Their partnership began in the 2023-24 season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL). When defenseman Ty Smith was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in March 2024, Shea and St. Ivany were paired up, skating together for a handful of games before both were called up to the NHL. Their steady, no-frills style meshed well, contributing to the Penguins’ impressive 8-2-2 late-season surge that nearly clinched a playoff spot.
But their journey hasn’t been without bumps. In the 2024-25 season, St. Ivany spent most of his time in the AHL, while Shea was relegated to the seventh defenseman role. Fast forward to this season, and their reunion seemed unlikely. St. Ivany missed the first two and a half months due to a suspected foot injury, while Shea enjoyed a promotion, skating alongside All-Star Kris Letang. However, a mid-December losing streak and the acquisition of defenseman Brett Kulak reshuffled the lineup, reuniting the pair on December 21.
Since then, they’ve been a steady presence on the third pairing, with possession metrics showing promising results. According to Natural Stat Trick, they’ve controlled 100 shot attempts for and 90 against in five-on-five scenarios, with a positive high-danger scoring chance differential (20-14) and goals for/against ratio (7-4). But here’s the controversial part: can this odd couple sustain their success, or is their chemistry merely a temporary spark?
Shea credits their success to mutual support, particularly in the defensive zone. St. Ivany’s physicality complements Shea’s playmaking abilities, creating a balanced dynamic. A highlight came in a 7-3 win against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 28, where Shea (three assists) and St. Ivany (two assists) set career highs in points. Both have already surpassed their previous offensive bests this season, with Shea tallying 16 points in 41 games and St. Ivany contributing three assists in nine games.
Their teammates, like forward Bryan Rust, praise their steadiness and defensive awareness. Yet, their off-ice personalities remain a study in contrasts. Shea’s competitive fire contrasts with St. Ivany’s positive, ‘next-shift’ mentality. Is this difference a recipe for long-term success, or a ticking time bomb waiting to explode? Weigh in below – do you think their contrasting personalities will ultimately be their strength or their downfall?
One thing’s for sure: this odd couple has defied expectations so far. As Shea puts it, ‘It’s been good. Can’t lie. It’s been very positive and I like the direction the dynamic is going.’ Whether they’re the next great defensive pairing or just a fleeting success story, Shea and St. Ivany are certainly one to watch.
