Dean Arsene, Calder Cup winner to Oilers
Dean Arsene hoists the American Hockey League's Calder Cup after a successful season with the Hershey Bears that netted Arsene's draft pick by the Edmonton Oilers.
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: August 13, 2009 12:46 PM
West Abbotsford-Aldergrove's Dean Arsene hoisted the Calder Cup for the second time after the Hershey Bears beat the Manitoba Moose 4-1.
Arsene, a solid blueliner, helped the Hershey Bears knock off the Manitoba Moose 4-1 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, and sealed Arsene’s second American Hockey League championship. He also won the Calder Cup with the Bears back in 2005-06.
“It doesn’t get old, that’s for sure,” said Arsene, a 28-year-old defenceman. “The first time we won it, we weren’t considered a top team (heading into the playoffs), so it was quite a surprise and it felt surreal when we finished it.
“This time around, we were expected to win it right from Day 1, and for us to realize that dream was very satisfying. I think this time it’s more real to me. I’m more able to soak it up and enjoy the moment.”
Friday’s win sealed a 4-2 series victory for the Bears, and marked the Pennsylvania franchise’s record 10th AHL title. The Bears are the top farm team of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, while their opponents in the final, the Moose, are affiliated with the Vancouver Canucks.
“The first time I won it, I didn’t have a chance to bring it home, so this year it was really special to do that and for everybody to see the trophy I won,” he said.
Not only did the Cup’s journey to Abbotsford offer Arsene a relaxing, celebratory weekend, it also gave the city a little preview of what the Heat may bring home in a few years’ time.
“A lot of my friends and family are excited that AHL hockey is in Abbotsford, I know a lot of people are,” he said. “I think it’s going to do really well, and I hope they’re going to do well. Abbotsford’s been waiting for something like this for a long time.”
He said locals are treated to a few excellent players on the Heat, including Jason Jaffray and his defensive partner from last season, Staffan Kronwall.
For Arsene, however, there are new things on the horizon – the 6’2” defenceman signed a contract last week to join the Edmonton Oilers and will head to Alberta to join the team in September.
While he enjoyed Hershey, Arsene said his main goal is to get called up to the NHL and the Oilers represent that opportunity.
“Edmonton was interested and they liked my play and I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll get a chance, it’s not like I’m out of touch with reality like I’m going to make it right out of camp. I’m going to go in there and give it my best shot and try to make a good first impression.”
v2
