Interview with WHL Alumni Devon LeBlanc

Each week, DUBNetwork will be conducting interviews with people who are directly involved (or have been involved) in the Western Hockey League in some capacity. This includes players, prospects, alumni, team personnel and staff, radio personnel, etc.  We will then proceed to post the transcript of the interview for our fans to read and enjoy, in an attempt to get to know these people a little better.

This week, I have interviewed WHL alumni Devon LeBlanc, who played in the league from 2005-2009. Devon is redDeerfrom Brandon, MB and spent time with the Red Deer Rebels, Prince Albert Raiders and Seattle Thunderbirds. Following his WHL career, Devon played a bit of pro hockey before opting to become a police officer in his home province of Manitoba. He was kind enough to sit down and answer some questions for us recently. Enjoy!

Devon, what are some of your most memorable moments of playing in the Western Hockey League?

So many good memories. Biggest thing was being able to meet some great friends along the way. I am still currently friends with so many guys over the years. Also how good you are treated with the organizations from dressing rooms, equipment, meals.

As a young hockey player growing up through the bantam and midget ranks, was your thought process always to play in the ‘Dub’? Or was college hockey a possibility at any point?

I never really looked at anything besides the dub. I wasn’t a strong student in school so just wanted to play hockey and focus on that.

You were lucky enough to get the opportunity to play for three highly respected WHL organizations. Can you speak to the differences in those three cities/organizations and what sets them apart?

I think all 3 organizations I played for had several differences. When I went into Red Deer at 17 years old the whole dressing room was brand new which was amazing. I remember walking in on opening night and having my jersey in the stall like everyone else and everyone had a spotlight shining on the logo. It was pretty amazing. When I got traded to PA it was a smaller market and arena. Lastly, with Seattle that was a whole new experience. We started out at the Key arena in downtown Seattle which was made for basketball so the locker rooms and stuff were a bit different. After Christmas we moved into our new building in Kent, WA. This was a cool experience with a new fan base that we had to introduce to hockey. The rivalry nights against Portland is something I will never forget.

Out of all of the players you played with during your WHL career, are there any that you remain close with to this day? Any that you get to sit down and enjoy watching on the television set?

Ya there are a few guys. Brandon Sutter is one that comes to mind. When he was with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he got us into the pre-game skate and down to the dressing room when they were in Winnipeg. We got to meet Crosby and Malkin so that was pretty crazy. Also Martin Hanzal was a good friend on mine in Red Deer so I like to watch the Arizona games.
Although you didn’t play that long ago, you played during a time where fights and even line brawls were more frequent than they are today. Do you like that the WHL has taken a different stance on fighting than the OHL, or what are your thoughts on how things have changed over the last handful of seasons, in regards to fighting in the league?

I don’t agree with the changes; however, I do understand that safety is the main priority with the young kids/men. I believe there is a place in the game for fighting when the time is right. The staged fighting is another thing but after one of your teammates gets hit hard or dirty I think a guy should have to answer for that.

For people that do not know, not only are you from Brandon, but your uncle is Mr. Kelly McCrimmon. When the Wheat Kings met your two old teams last year, the Rebels in the conference finals and then the Thunderbirds in the league finals, was it difficult deciding who to cheer for? I’m putting you on the spot here.

Haha, well none of my friends are in Seattle anymore so this was an easy one for me to cheer for the Wheat Kings. I’m a Brandon boy now so I will always cheer for the Wheaties.
You won, and were named MVP, of the prestigious Allan Cup a few years back with the Southeast Prairie Thunder, playing alongside ex-NHL’ers such as Terry Yake. What was that experience like?

The Allan Cup was amazing. I was convinced by a friend of mine to play so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. When I went down to Lloydminster it was an eye opener for me to learn about the history of the cup. I got to play with great players and had a great tournament. Being named MVP was a real honor with all the great players involved. This is something I will not soon forget.

rapidcityAfter spending some time playing professional hockey with the Rapid City Rush, you opted out of pro hockey in order to head to university, before subsequently deciding on becoming a police officer. Can you speak a little bit about that decision and whether it was difficult moving on from hockey?

When I was 18 years old I went on a ride along with the Prince Albert city police. I absolutely loved it and knew what I wanted to do after my hockey career. Pro hockey in the Central Hockey League wasn’t what I really expected so I decided to leave and return to Canada to start a career. Moving on from hockey wasn’t easy when that is all you do every day of your life, however I continue to play senior hockey to this day and really enjoy getting together with the guys.

Does being around WHL hockey and people like Kelly McCrimmon as a spectator/fan ever make you consider getting back into the game, in a coaching capacity or scouting/managerial role at some point down the road?

When I worked in Waywayseecappo as a police officer I helped out the junior hockey team there and really enjoyed it. I think it would be a tough career to get into but I am always willing to help out on the side to stay close to the game.

From experience, can you speak to some different ways that playing in the WHL can help prepare someone, not only for professional hockey, but also for life after hockey?

I can’t say enough good things about the WHL. I learnt so much and learnt to be away from family. The dub disciplines guys to be on time, dress professional, act professional, and learn how to interact with people. There are so many things that I learnt that carries over to my everyday life now.

Thank you for answering those questions Devon, Next I am going to ask you some rapid fire questions, ready?

What was your favorite WHL arena to play in and why?

Kamloops (usually played good there, not sure why haha)
 

Can you name a couple players that you played against who you did not necessarily want to go out of your way to drop the mitts with?

Matt Kassian, Jason Lynch, Mike Gauthier, Milan Lucic, Garrett Klotz.

The current season is pretty fresh, so I will refer to last season; name a couple of WHL players that you enjoyed watching last year.

Nolan Patrick, Ethan Bear, Jayce Hawryluk & Brayden Point.

Favorite uniform(s) in the WHL?

Has to be Red Deer. Color and design is great and it is the city of Red Deer to a tee.

Favorite coach you played for & best player you played with?

Coach- Has to be Brent Sutter. There were days that I hated him, but he is so passionate about the game and wants to win so bad everyday. I respect him a lot to this day. Player- Martin Hanzal. He was so fast and big he could control any game when he wanted to.

Thanks for your time Devon! Best of luck to you with the police force!