SharePanthers have a Saint!
2021-08-28
A 10-year-old version of Theodore St-Denis is poised to protect his own end even a number of years ago.
Theodore St-Denis was a big 16-year-old wide-eyed defenceman last season but after putting on ten pounds of muscle and a lot of confidence the Club is expecting him to be impactful this time around.August 28, 2021
North Saanich, British Columbia
With only a couple days left in the month this past March the Peninsula Panthers Head Coach Brad Tippett was running his troops through their final paces before the gear would be put on the shelf The practice had some significant intensity to it which in the mind of Tippett and GM Pete Zubersky said a lot about the group. This collection would for the most part be returning for the 2021/22 season, albeit, the Club would bid adieu to a three 20's including two of the VIJHL's best in Josh Lingard and Tanner Wort. The Coach gathered the group by the players bench and Pete Zubersky addressed the team for a moment or two. All things considered, the group had found a way to get better with a significant amount practice time with 12 games sprinkled in in the early and late fall. After wishing the departing players the best of luck in the years to follow, Zubersky spoke with them about coming into the 2021/22 season in great shape and with an additional 5-10 pounds of muscle.
16-year-old Theodore St-Denis listened closely to the message. The youngster had played a huge role in most of the 12 games, much larger than what was expected of him going into last season. The Panthers defensive corps were banged up early and St-Denis was often playing seen icing 30 minutes a game.
"I was really excited to see the development of several of our younger kids and Theo sits squarely in that group," quipped GM Pete Zubersky. "When a number of our veterans were nicked up and out of the lineup our younger defenceman had to pick up the minutes. We played 10 of our 12 games against the Victoria Cougars who I felt had built a team to take a run at a Cyclone Taylor Cup and Theo ended up partnering with Mason McNeill, two 16's. I really enjoyed watching both of them gain confidence playing 30 minutes a game against some of the best forwards in the League."
The message from Zubersky was not lost on St-Denis and he walked into the Panthers Camp in late July up ten pounds of muscle tipping the toledo's at 200 lbs. "The kid looks fantastic," beamed Zubersky. "He is such a fantastic person and really cares about the game. I joked with him a couple days ago when he poked his head in the office that his shoulders were so wide he might just not making it through the door. He will add a lot of impact this season with his added size and confidence."
Theo was born and raised in Victoria and was introduced to hockey at a very young age by both of his parents. As a youngster St Denis went up the levels of Minor Hockey initially starting with the Victoria Ice Hawks, then the Saanich Braves and finally the Victoria Admirals Minor Hockey Associations. Like several of his teammates, the Peninsula Panthers began to show a keen interest in the youngster early in his development in the Minor Hockey system and expressed the interest to the big defenceman. St-Denis began his relationship with the Panthers as an Affiliate player and he attended a number of practices with the Junior squad when he was 15. St-Denis attended the Panthers identification Camp when he turned 16 but the Panthers already knew what he was bringing to the table and the rear guard was inked to a contract, one of two 16-year-old's allowed by BC Hockey at the Junior level.
"I and a lot of players wowe a lot of gratitude to ho played on the Admirals owe a big thanks to Mike Cox for helping us get to the Panthers," explained 'The Saint.' Mike had a close relationship with Brad and Pete and that really helped facilitate a path to Junior Hockey for a lot of us. I won't forget it."
Theo's father Patrick is French Canadian and with the name St-Denis comes it is an easy assumption that the family would have a keen interest in the game. Theo has attended a francophone school his whole life beginning his educational journey in French Immersion in pre-school. This, his final year in High School Theo will be completing his Grade 12 at École Victor Brodeur. Not surprisingly, St-Denis a fully bilingual student in both of Canada's official languages, English and French. He is currently taking a certificate international baccalaureate program at school and enjoys his favourite subjects chemistry and math. The youngster's French heritage is very important to him and is a large aspect of his life. Outside of the rink Theo enjoys hobbies such as playing the piano and video games. He also works at the local recreation centre teaching skating and Tots Hockey which
introduces some youthful and future hockey players to the game. Theo plans to attend the University of Victoria next year and also plans to continue to play for the Panthers Organization.
When hockey was completed last March, Theo invested his time in getting ready for the upcoming season by attending on and off ice training with a strength and conditioning coach in order to improve his speed and strength. Theo is going into his 2nd season with the Panthers, one that he hopes is as normal as possible after the debacle of last year due to the Global Pandemic. And the youngster is lookingforward and excited to be able to play in front of family, friends and fans who will be allowed in the building to cheer the Club on.
'The Saint' and his mates will be in Exhibition action on Wednesday night to face off against the Westshore Wolves and will be right back at the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre on Friday, September 3rd when they host the Saanich Predators for their final tune-up before the 2021/22 VIJHL Regular Season kicks into gear. 200 fans will be allowed into game on September 3rd.
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