Hockey / Q and A with Jared Leslie

Q and A with Jared Leslie

Date:  Source: CJHL Cumberland Grads

Birthday: September 11, 1996

Hometown: Tecumseh, ON

Position: RW

Height: 5-9         Weight: 180

 

How did you end playing in the CCHL?

Following my minor hockey career I always had the goal of playing college hockey. In order to chase that dream I attended prep school at The Hill Academy in Toronto, Ontario. After I graduated from The Hill, the next step in the process of playing college hockey was to begin playing junior hockey.

After looking at many options including being drafted by the OHL Windsor Spitfires and the Chicago Steel in the USHL, the CCHL was recommended as a great developmental league that sends a lot of players on to college, which was exactly what I was looking to accomplish.

I started to look into different teams within the league and ended up getting in touch with Coach Favreau in Gloucester. After meeting with him, I knew that he was the coach that I wanted to play for and that this league was the best option to help me move on to the collegiate level.

 

How many seasons have you been playing for Sylvain?

I have played for Coach Favreau for three years with stints in between with Gloucester and Ottawa.

 

Growing up did you always want to be a hockey player?

When I was growing up my parents put me in every sport to try it out. I played soccer, baseball, lacrosse, golf and hockey. As I began to get older I started narrowing down where my passion really lied. Eventually, I realized that hockey was my true passion, so for the most part of my childhood I wanted to grow up to be a hockey player.

 

Where did you play Minor Hockey and which team did you play for?

I played minor hockey in Windsor and skated with the AAA Sun County Panthers.

 

Where were you born, do you still live there?

I was born in Windsor, Ontario but grew up and still live in a small town called Tecumseh, just outside of Windsor.

 

What was your best playing moment in minor hockey?

My best playing moment in hockey was winning the Alliance Championships and moving on to the OHF's in Major Pee Wee. We were the underdogs to win the championship and came back from a 3-0 deficit in the series, winning in game seven. It was also the last year my dad coached me so it was pretty special to achieve that together. We ended up winning bronze at the OHF's.

 

Is there an off or on ice hockey moment that you will always remember?

There are a lot of moments I will always remember but I have to say my fondest memory up until now is attending the NHL awards in Las Vegas.

Growing up I played most of my minor hockey with Aaron Ekblad (Florida Panthers) and we ended up becoming best friends. I was fortunate enough to have him invite me to the award show a couple of years ago when he was nominated for the Calder trophy, the award for rookie of the year in the NHL.

Just being in that environment surrounded by some of the best players to ever play this game was an experience in itself. However, to be able to be there when he won the Calder trophy was a special moment I will never forget.

 

Describe your time in the CCHL and specifically the Cumberland Grads?  And again, any on ice memory that comes to mind?

My time in the CCHL has been an amazing experience that will leave lasting memories. Even though I ran into some serious injuries along the way, I managed to become great friends with some great teammates, saw myself develop as a player and most importantly I have gained numerous life lessons that have and will continue to make me a better person.

Playing for the Cumberland Grads has definitely been one of the greatest highlights of my time in the CCHL. I cannot say enough great things about the organization and what it has done for me. From the ownership group, going above and beyond to make sure we are treated professionally and supplied with more than we need, even outside of hockey, to every coach and staff member always having our backs and helping us become better each and every day.

This organization has done more for me than words can say and I owe a large deal of gratitude to them.

My best on ice memory would have to be scoring my first junior hockey hat trick last year against my former Gloucester Rangers team. It was bitter sweet in that it came in my first game against Gloucester after being traded to Ottawa.

 

With this being your last year in Cumberland and Jr. 'A' what would you like to achieve this season?

With this being my last year in Cumberland and Jr A, there are both team and personal goals I would like to achieve.

As I stated previously, my goal has been to play college hockey. Whether it’s Division 1, Division 3 or CIS, I am looking to get four more years of great hockey and experiences while getting my education.

To me there is no better way to combine both of my passions so I am hoping to move on to one of those three next levels following this year.

In terms of a team goal, I want to do everything in my power to help this team win a championship by fulfilling whatever role is required of me by the coaches and the organization.

 

Have you had any NCAA or CIS offers? 

Yes I have been in contact with several Division 1, Division 3 and CIS schools. It is now just a matter of finding where the best fit may be for me both athletically and academically.

 

Describe yourself as a player?

I would describe myself as a player who can bring a lot of energy to the game.  I have a high hockey IQ paired with a fast, physical and hard-working style that allows me to play in all situations, contributing both offensively and defensively. I play a 200 foot game and can play any role that is asked of me by my coaches.

 

What do you do when you are not playing hockey, any hobbies, pastimes or interests?

When I am not playing hockey there are a lot of different things I like to do. It depends on the season but in the summer I like to golf, wake board and fish.

In the winter I like to snowboard when I can or like to read a good book every once in a while.

 

Coach Favreau’s Thoughts

I have had the pleasure to coach and get to know Jared since he came into the CCHL three years ago. He has proven to be a solid player in this league and very mature individual with great leadership skills. Jared never takes a practice or game off and is always willing to give more. He has a bright future ahead of him in whichever field he chooses.