Strom Chamberlain hadn't always enjoyed hockey.  There was a period in time in his youth that all he ever wanted to do was aspire to play in the NBA, despite being born and raised in the predominantly baseball oriented town that is St. Louis.  It wasn't until one of his closest friends took him along to at St. Louis Scarecrows game in February of 1999 during his 8th grade year that he became hooked.  He still played basketball, as there were no avenues at the time for high school based hockey teams, but the transition of his fandom grew apparent.  By the time his senior year rolled around in 2002, his posters had all transitioned to Scarecrow and Syndicate posters.  His friend, who got him hooked on the sport, made sure a couple times to get tickets to Syndicate games, and they always shared season tickets to the Scarecrows (since, they were far more affordable).

In college, Strom found his way in.  The local junior college had a hockey team.  He tried out initially as a defensive forward, but due to his size he lacked the speed and agility that was needed for quick turns on the ice.  His coach tried him out in team practices as a goaltender, and the rest is history.  From grade school fantasy, to first round pick by Winnipeg...all that is left for Strom to do, is play for his goal of being in the SHL has already been achieved.