Shawn Byram was the New York Islanders 4th choice, 80th overall, in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. He joined the Islanders AHL affiliate in Springfield for 1988-89 following three plus seasons in the WHL between Prince Albert and Regina. Byram struggled big time in the minors for two seasons notching only 9 goals and 24 points in 76 games. It wasn't until the 1990-91 season that He broke out offensively with the Capital District Islanders under the tutelage of coach Butch Goring. Shawn led the baby Isles in scoring as he went 28-35-63 in 62 games on the season. His play got him a call up to the NHL in late February for 4 games before he was sent back down to Capital District to finish the season. The Islanders released Byram following the 1990-91 season and he was signed as a free agent by the Chicago Blackhawks. He managed to get in only 1 game with the Blackhawks along with three consecutive sub par seasons in the IHL. Since 1994 Byram predominantly played in Europe in British Hockey Leagues which included 5 seasons as captain with the Ayr Scottish Eagles. Following the 2002-03 season with the WCHL's Bakersfield Condors, Byram retired.

     Byram's best offensive performance took place in the British League during the 1995-96 season with the Manchester Storm when he recorded 70 goals and 190 points in just 42 games played.