Page 32 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 77

32 Issue #77 April 2019 www.sportsenergynews.com

presents Then and Now:

Cornwall Colts Edition… Leigh Dean

By Carrie Seguin been fortunate enough to play in front to have done since it’s not something
of, I always compare them to the Si that everyone gets to do.”
Miller crowd and very few come Dean played mid-level professional
“I always tell people that my year close.” hockey for 5 seasons (2000-2005).
in Cornwall was one of the best Another fond Colts memory is the He jokes, “I always say it made for a
hockey experiences I’ve ever had,” 95-96 CJHL championship series ton of stories but not a ton of money!”
states Leigh Dean, former Cornwall against Gloucester during which the As for being involved with hockey
Colts player. “Playing in Cornwall Cornwall team found themselves now, Dean explains it doesn’t fit into
for the Colts really drove home what trailing and then making a huge his life at the moment. “I spent the
hockey meant for Canadians and its comeback to take the title. “Being better part of the last 15 years in the
communities, not only in Ontario, down in the series like we were and hockey industry assisting on teams
but across the country. I learned a then pulling off the ultimate comeback and then eventually running a youth
different game and I experienced the was unforgettable. I remember feeling travel program in New Jersey and
culture of hockey in Canada.” like there was no way we could lose in Massachusetts. I’ve also been
Dean, originally from Denville that series after the season we had involved in doing operations for a
NJ, came to Cornwall to play with had and then having to really put large junior league in the US and
the Junior A team for the 1995-96 pressure on ourselves to give the fans I was fortunate enough to oversee
season. “I was originally lined up to a championship win. We had a great a rink construction with one of the
play in Kelowna, BC but when I went team with great leaders and veterans organizations I worked with. Having
out there for summer training camp, like JP Fournier, Hugo Boisvert, Eric never been on that side of the business
they had a Western Hockey League Meloche, Marc Lamontagne, and before, that was a great experience.
(WHL) franchise move in and so Doug Shepherd. Those guys really Hockey has been a large part of my
they were doing away with Tier 2. I took control of the team and lead us in life - I will be involved with it again at
had a few opportunities arise from the right direction.” some point.”
that camp, but I didn’t know anyone Following his time with the Colts, Presently, Dean is working at
affiliated with those organizations. I Dean attended Providence College, building a real estate business just
was looking for some familiarity and in Rhode Island where he studied north of Boston. “Playing hockey has
former Colts scout Bill Murphy had English and played varsity hockey. equipped me with the ability to deal
seen me play and I knew a couple of “Playing college hockey was a goal of with highs and lows, which is good
other players from the Colts team - so, mine ever since I saw my first college because in the real estate business
I was lucky to end up in Cornwall. It hockey game at the old Clarkson Photo Submitted there are definitely high and low
was the best experience I could have University Arena – I was about 9 or times.”
imagined.” 10 years old. I couldn’t have been then you needed to maximize your When asked how he likes to spend
Dean, a defenceman, played 53 more blessed to play at Providence. time around that block for your class his free time, Dean explains, “I don’t
games with the Cornwall team during We played against some of the best work. Playing hockey at the D1 level have too much down time these days.
the 95-96 season. He tallied 33 points schools and players in the country. is like having a full time job.” I spend a lot of time building business
(9 goals and 24 assists). “I struggled The games were awesome no matter if Once graduated from Providence, relationships. I like to go to the gym
at first, but with the help of Al Wagar it was at home or on the road because Dean continued playing hockey and try to go before I start my day.”
and Brent Loney I was able to settle in each team and building brought a with the East Coast Hockey League Dean also has two daughters. “They
and contribute positively,” says Dean. different challenge and atmosphere.” (ECHL). “Playing East Coast after are 10 and 6 years old and they are
About his time with the Colts, Dean Dean explains that as great as college was a great experience – I got growing up faster than I can keep
says playing at the Si Miller was part playing college hockey was, it was to keep playing and enjoy a sport I had track of. They keep me entertained
of the reason why it was such a great hard work. “Since the college hockey spent the better part of my life so far when I’m not working.”
experience. “That place had such an schedule is so short, each game was playing. It allowed me to make some When Dean does get the chance
amazing atmosphere to play in. The high stakes and that made for a big great friends and see different parts of to recharge or unplug, he enjoys
support from the fans really pushed week of preparation prior to. At the the country. I have great memories of spending time riding his motorcycle,
you to be at your best every game. end of each day, you spent about 4 playing and of the places I’ve played playing golf, going to the beach, or
When I think of the big crowds I’ve hours at the rink on ice and off ice and in. It’s something I feel very fortunate enjoying the outdoors.