Getting to know Stefan LeBlanc
Mississauga, ON – Newly acquired defenceman, Stefan LeBlanc, was drafted by the Sudbury Wolves in the 7th round at the 2012 OHL Priority Selection. The Oakville, Ontario native spent a season with the Oakville Blades before joining the Wolves this season. Appearing in 38 games for Sudbury, LeBlanc recorded 3 goals and 13 assists. He describes getting his first OHL goal against the Barrie Colts earlier this season as his favourite hockey memory. “I didn’t even know the puck went in, it was a bit of a delayed reaction. It was overwhelming to say the least.”
The trade deadline last week saw LeBlanc (and a number of draft picks) head back to Mississauga, in exchange for veteran defenceman Trevor Carrick, the rights to Bradley Bell, and a 5th round pick in 2016. Despite the shock that comes with being traded, the 6’0, 185 lb defenceman found comfort in relocating to a not so unfamiliar city. “It’s awesome; I get to live at home now. I get a lot of my friends coming out to games and they can watch me play so it’s exciting.”
Eligible for the 2014 NHL Draft, LeBlanc is ranked 131st on the most recent Central Scouting North American Skaters list. Despite growing up with two older brothers who had a love of the game, LeBlanc, who laced up his first pair of skates at four years old, credits his father as being his biggest influence. He describes his playing style as offensive-defensive, and believes his strength lies with bringing a two way game. Sudbury Wolves’ GM Blaine Smith identified LeBlanc one of the best offensive defencemen in the OJHL after he put up 4 goals and 29 assists in 49 games with the Oakville Blades Junior ‘A’ team.
We had a chance to sit down and get to know Stefan a little bit better:
Pre-game meal: Pasta and chicken
Pump up song: Tsunami- DVBBS & Borgeous
Nicknames: Lebby, Blanc-er
Hidden talent: Good dancer
Favourite TV Show: Suits
Favourite NHL team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Favourite NHL player: Mike Green
What do you do when you’re not at the rink?
Hang out with friends
If you could be a contestant on any game show, what would it be?
One you win money on, maybe Deal or No Deal
LeBlanc makes his first appearance on home ice this Friday, January 17th as the Steelheads host the North Bay Battalion in a 7:30 pm start.
Photo courtesy of Scar Hill Media
