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They may all be teammates right now, but every Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguin player followed a different path to becoming a professional hockey player. From the time they first stood on skates, there have been influential coaches, lessons learned and players they wanted to emulate.

Each week we’ll take a look at how each Penguin player got their early start in the sport.

Player: Jean-Sebastien Dea

Position: Center

Age: 23

Hometown: Laval, Quebec

How old were you when you began skating and playing hockey? “I started at 3 years old. I started off with figure skating, just to learn how to skate. I was too young to be on an actual team, so I started with figure skating to learn how to skate.”

Who had the biggest influence on your start in hockey? “My dad, Martin. Right away. He played hockey also and he showed me the way. He’s always been my coach growing up in my hometown.”

When did you decide to become a forward? “My dad was a defenseman, so I don’t know why I came up as a forward. I assume it started when I was young and I just stuck with it.”

What important lesson did you learn as a kid that you still apply to your game today? “Always have fun. If you don’t have fun you shouldn’t be here. Every time we step on the ice or in the locker room, you’re lucky and should be happy to do what you like. Growing up you’re just out there to have fun, and that’s what I try to bring here.”

What advice do you have for a young player? “I would tell them to just have fun. As soon as you don’t feel like you don’t want to keep going, just follow your instinct. If you’re forced to play a sport you don’t like, that’s when you lose interest. Keep your head up, keep working hard and if you like it it’s going to be good.”

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_Dea-J.S..jpg.optimal.jpg

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins center Jean-Sebastien Dea started playing hockey when he was 3 years old.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_CMYKpens2.jpg.optimal.jpgWilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins center Jean-Sebastien Dea started playing hockey when he was 3 years old. Fred Adams file | For Times Leader

By Tom Venesky

[email protected]

Reach Tom Venesky at 570-991-6395 or on Twitter @TomVenesky