Hulking 16-year-old St-Denis looks to make his mark at the Junior level

September 20th, 2020
North Saanich, B.C.

Theodore St-Denis became an interesting player to the Peninsula Panthers as last season unfolded.  He came out and practiced with the Club on a number of occasions and each time looked a bit more at ease and effective.  This was not lost on Bench Boss Brad Tippett and at the end of the Identification Camp in July, the Head Coach committed to the youngster.  He is one of two 16-year-old players the Club has decided to roster for the 2020/21 season, the other being fellow defenceman Mason McNeill.  The two have been paired up in practice as of late and neither look out of place at this level.

St-Denis on St-Denis:
"I played for the Victoria Admirals Midget T1 last year as the only first-year player. We won the league by a landslide and I got the Most Dedicated Player award for the team as deemed by the association. Last year, I also AP'ed with the Peninsula Panthers as a 15-year-old with some teammates who have also made the Junior B transition this year. Off the ice, I am always surrounded by hockey, either as a referee or teaching skating at my local arena. I will be starting grade 11 at École Victor Brodeur, as a fully bilingual student to continue my French heritage. 

I am super excited to join the Panthers this season. The group of guys, coaching staff and management are unbelievable. The ability to move up and play at a higher level with some familiar faces from last year is exciting.  The team already has such a great core, so it is easy to follow the example set by these role-models. I am eager to get playing and to help re-create the success the team found last year. My year will be full of listening, learning and opportunity. As a D-man, I have three great veteran defence men - Jensen, Horricks and Seale -  to watch and learn from.  As a 16-year-old rookie in the league, I know that I have a lot to prove and I will be ready when called upon. I am proud to be a Panther."

Brad Tippett on St - Denis:
"There are other 6’2” 195lb defensemen in the league however I don’t know of another 6’2” 195lb 16-year-old who brings that size. He practiced with us a few times last year so we had a glimpse of him. From the first day of summer camp, he came in and made the statement that he was here to make the team. He makes a solid first pass and plays with passion."