All eyes in this province are on Zach Dean, the latest Newfoundlander to represent Canada at the World Juniors.
The 19-year-old from Mount Pearl, who is a prospect for the Las Vegas Golden Knights, has put up a goal in four games at the tournament.
Though born in Grand Prairie and raised in Mount Pearl, Dean has a strong connection to the Town of Botwood.
Zach’s grandfather Robert Dean is from the community and says the Dean’s are well-known for their impressive abilities on the ice.
Once a hockey player himself, Zach’s father put him on skates at a young age and he took off from there.
“We put him on the ice when he was about three years old and he just took off,” says Dean. “I couldn’t believe it. Now, he fell down a hundred times but he just had the knack for skating.”
He notes that Zach is a very skilled player who can shine when he meets the right teammates and thinks that he still has more to prove in the tournament.
Dean tries not to butt in and tell his grandson what to do on the ice but always reminds him of how proud he is.
Zach Dean has his first of the #WorldJuniors! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/iV4bWZpNPv
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) December 30, 2022
“Zach, keep up the good work. We’re all shouting for you here and I’m sure all over Newfoundland.”
Canada will face Slovakia in the quarterfinal tonight at 8:00 p.m. island time.
