My Hockey Hero
by Dean Barnes / Podstarter
Stories of hockey's diverse heroes, from early trailblazers to rising new talent. Their own stories in their own words, featuring players from all levels of the professional game. Together, we will bring the cards to life to understand the personality and the drive that allowed them to break down barriers.Hosted by Dean Barnes.
Episodes
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Kohyn Eshkawkogan: Hockey, Heritage, and the Ottawa 67’s
Ottawa 67’s defenseman Kohyn Eshkawkogan joins the My Hockey Hero podcast to discuss his hockey journey, Indigenous identity, and ambitions in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Growing up in Little Current on Manitoulin Island and belonging to the M'Chigeeng First...
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Mike McKegney: Hockey Dreams and Hard Truths from a Trailblazer
Born in Halifax and adopted into a white family in Sarnia, Ontario, Mike McKegney grew up on a backyard rink that helped shape three high-level players: Mike, his older brother Ian (who reached the NHL with Chicago), and his younger brother Tony (who starred in the NHL with Buffalo, St. Louis…
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Hayden Paupanekis: From Norway House to the Memorial Cup
On this episode of My Hockey Hero, we celebrate the journey of Hayden Paupanekis, a six-foot-five center from the Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba and draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens (2025 NHL Draft, 4th round, 69th overall). Hayden reflects on learning to skate at five in Winnipeg’s…
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Alex Huang: Trilingual Offensive Defenceman
In this episode of My Hockey Hero, host Dean Barnes sits down with Alex Huang, star defenceman for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the QMJHL and 2025 draft pick of the Nashville Predators. Alex shares his journey as the son of Chinese immigrants growing up in a diverse Montreal suburb, his early…
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Jaxon Cover: From Roller Hockey to the CHL
Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Jaxon Cover took one of the most unconventional paths to major junior hockey. In this episode of My Hockey Hero, Jackson joins Dean to share how roller hockey on a Caribbean island led him all the way to the London Knights and the Canadian Hockey League…
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A Black History Month Special: The Story of John Parris Jr.
In this special Black History Month edition of My Hockey Hero, host Dean Barnes sits down with trailblazer John Parris Jr., player, coach, scout, and general manager, to explore what it truly costs to break barriers in hockey and hold the door open for others. From frozen ponds in rural Windsor,...
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Bill Zonnan, on his NHL Draft
Meet Bill Zonnan, the high-octane forward whose relentless drive and inspiring journey are lighting up the hockey world. Growing up in Montreal, Bill overcame setbacks, made his mark in the QMJHL, and has now been drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Off the ice, his story is just as powerful,...
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Jaeden Nelson
Jaeden Nelson shares his inspiring journey from a young hockey enthusiast to a promising junior hockey goaltender. Born to Ghanaian immigrant parents in Ottawa, he discovered his passion for goaltending early, inspired by Marc-Andre Fleury. Notable Moments: First drafted by hometown Ottawa 67's...
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Pavel Mckenzie
In this episode, Pavel Mckenzie, a talented left winger currently playing in the CHL, shares his journey from the small town of Cumberland House, Saskatchewan, to playing in the prestigious Canadian Hockey League. Pavel reflects on his early hockey experiences, the support of his family, and his...
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Nicolas Ruccia
In this episode, we're diving deep into the life and journey of a rising CHL goalie who's seen it allfrom being part of rebuilding teams to playoff runs that captivated entire communities. We're talking about the grind, the growth, and the grit it takes to compete at such a high level, with…
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Kashawn Aitcheson
Were sitting down with one of the rising stars of the Canadian Hockey Leaguedefenseman Kashawn Aitcheson. Kashawn has already made waves with his impressive skills on the ice and his leadership off it. From being part of Canadas gold medal-winning U18 team to preparing for the upcoming CHL-USA...
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Shamar Moses
In this episode of My Hockey Hero, were thrilled to bring you the inspiring story of Shamar Moses. Shamar grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, where he honed his skills in minor hockey before becoming a formidable forward in the CHL. His journey from house league to the pros is a testament to hard...
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Growing Hockey: Real Fans Talk About The Impact of Representation
In this episode, Dean explores the meaning of representation as he attends the 2024 Memorial Cup in Saginaw, Michigan, where he showcases his black hockey card collection, featuring trailblazing NHL players. The episode includes interviews with fans and hockey enthusiasts who express their...
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Memorial Cup Special: Donovan McCoy
This 2024 Memorial Cup special episode is exciting to welcome Donovan McCoy. Donovan grew up in Belleville, Ontario, and began playing hockey with the Belleville Junior Bulls. He transitioned to triple-A level, and Donovan realized he had potential to play at higher levels, being drafted to the...
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Memorial Cup Special: Peter Worrell
This 2024 Memorial Cup special episode is exciting to welcome back Peter Worrell, former NHL player who took to the ice for the Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche. Peter is one of the few black Canadians to have won the Memorial Cup, an esteemed trophy awarded to the top junior hockey team...
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Malcolm Spence
Malcolm Spence, was raised in Burlington Ontario, a 17-year-old forward for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League, who several hockey observers believe has the potential to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old forward for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League scored on a breakaway...
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Taos Jordan
Originally from Brooklin, ON, Jordan is in his third season with the Owen Sound Attack, after being drafted in 2020 as a 12th Round pick (# 151). The Jerseys designed by Jordan as both a celebration of diversity within the game and in support of Team Jamaica and the Owen Sound Emancipation...
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My Hockey Hero Live Podcast Recording
Black History Month/ African Heritage Month at Brock and the Podcast Learning Network are pleased to present a live recording of My Hockey Hero with host Dean Barnes and guest Tony McKegney. The Podcast Learning Network is open to all members of the Brock community interested in learning more…
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Hockey Time Machine
Dean was a guest on Hockey Time Machine, talking about his World Juniors card collection and much more. Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/live/tEgotdFZI7o?si=qJaDu2xWUjB5wcVL My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To...
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Maxime Fortunus
Maxime Fortunus was born July 28, 1983 in La Prairie, Quebec. He played in the NHL for the Dallas Stars, alongside a long pro career in the AHL and ECHL. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make...
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Nigel Dawes
Nigel Dawes was born in Winnipeg Manitoba in 1985. He played 212 games in 5 seasons in the National Hockey League for the New York Rangers, Phoenix Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Atlanta Thrashers, and Montreal Canadiens. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at...
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Kenndal McArdle
Kenndal McArdle was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1987. After starting out in the Western Hockey League, he played for the Florida Panthers and the Winnipeg Jets. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help...
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Sean Brown
Sean Brown was born in Oshawa, Ontario in 1976. Following a successful run in the OHL he moved to the NHL, playing for the Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards…
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Mid-Season Check In
In this short mid-Season check in host Dean and producer Rhys discuss the season so far, and what is yet to come! My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out...
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Chris Beckford-Tseu
Chris Beckford-Tseu was born in Ontario in 1984. He is goalie who played for St. Louis Blues in the 2007-2008 season. He has also played a long career across the OHL, AHL and ECHL. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more…
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Jamal Mayers
Jamal Mayers was born in Toronto in 1974. Hes played for St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make...
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Shawn Belle
Shawn Belle was born in Edmonton in 1985. Hes played for the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche as well as a career in Europe. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can...
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Joaquin Gage
Joaquin Gage was born in Vancouver in 1973. He played 23 games in the NHL as a goalie for the Edmonton Oilers, as well as a long career in the ECHL, AHL and in Europe. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can...
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Robbie Earl
Robbie Earl was born in Chicago in 1985. Hes played 47 games in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Minnesota Wild, as well as a long career in the AHL and in Europe. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you...
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Season 3 is Coming!
We are excited to announce season 3 will be here very soon! United By Hockey Museum My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org The see the Black...
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Greg Mauldin
Greg Mauldin was born in Massachusetts in 1982. A talented player and coach, Greg played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the New York Islanders and Colorado Avalanche. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can...
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Andre Deveaux
Andre Deveaux was born in the Bahamas in 1984. Andre played in the NHL for the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple leafs, alongside a long career in the AHL and in Europe. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how...
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Mark Fraser
Mark Fraser was born in Ottawa in 1986. Mark became an NHL defenseman and played for the New Jersey Devils, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers. Today he works for the Leaf's as the manager of culture and inclusion. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own...
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Justin Johnson
Justin Johnson grew up in Anchorage Alaska, at a time when hockey was thriving. After a long career in the minor leagues, he played two games in the NHL with the New York Islanders during the 201314 NHL season. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at...
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Graeme Townsend
Born in 1965, Graeme was the first Jamaican-born player to play in the NHL. He played in the early 1990's for the Boston Bruins, the New York Islanders and the Ottawa Senators. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on…
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Peter Worrell
Peter Worrell was born in 1977 in Quebec. He played for the Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org…
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Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre
Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre was born in 1977 in Montreal. He played for the Buffalo Sabres, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Atlanta Thrashers and the Washington Capitals. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can…
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Devante Smith-Pelly
Devante Smith-Pelly was born in 1992 in Scarborough, Ontario. He played 10 seasons in the NHL for the Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils and the Washington Capitals. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn…
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Alton White
Alton White was born in 1945 in AMherst Nova Scotia. He played three seasons in the NHLs short lived rival league, the World Hockey Association. He is best known for being the second player of African descent to have played on a professional major league ice hockey team. He was also the first...
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Willie O'Ree
Best known for breaking the black color barrier in the National Hockey League, Willie O'Ree has lived an amazing life. From his early start as a baseball prodigy, to overcoming the loss of his sight in one eye and reaching the highest level of Hockey. His stint with the Boston Bruins put him…
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Meet Our Host: Dean Barnes
In this bonus episode, our host Dean is interviewed by producer Rhys Waters about the first season. What did Dean hope to achieve with the show? What did we learn? And what are the plans for the future? My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at...
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Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson was born in 1960 in Montreal, Quebec. As a child he was exposed the rich African Nova Scotian hockey heritage. when visiting family for long summers. He played for the Detroit Red Wings in the 1984-85 season. He also had a long career in the minor leagues through the 1980s, My…
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Sean McMorrow
Sean McMorrow was born in 1982 in Vancouver. He played for the Buffalo Sabres in the 2002-2003 Season, and had a long career in the OHL and AHL. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey...
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Claude Vilgrain
Claude Vilgrain was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and moved to Quebec City when he was very young. He played in 89 National Hockey League games with the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at...
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Bill Riley
Bill Riley was born in 1950 in Amherst, Nova Scotia He played for the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets between 1974 and 1980. He went on to a successful coaching career in Moncton and was inducted into the Nova Scotia sport hall of fame in 1998. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay...
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Darren Banks
Darren Banks was born in Toronto, in 1966. Known as an enforcer, he was a fearless player. Darren played in 20 NHL games with the Boston Bruins between 1992 and 1994. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can...
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Anthony Stewart
Anthony Stewart was born in LaSalle, Quebec in 1985. He overcame child poverty and excelled at hockey with the support of his community. He played 6 seasons in the NHL for the Florida Panthers, Atlanta Thrashers and the Carlina Hurricanes. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start...
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Ray Neufeld
Ray Neufeld was born in Winkler, Manitoba in 1959. He played 11 seasons in the NHL for the Hartford Whalers, the Winnipeg Jets and the Boston Bruins between 1979 and 1990. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you...
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Darren Lowe
Darren Lowe was born in Toronto in 1960. He played 8 games in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 198384 season and 67 games for the Canadian national team including the 1984 Winter Olympics. After leaving the ice he pursued a long and celebrated career coaching the men's hockey team…
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Bernie Saunders
This week Dean is talking to Bernie Saunders. Born in Montreal in 1956, Bernie grew up sharing a passion for hockey with his brother John. Experiencing racism on and off the ice, Bernie persevered to become a star of junior and college hockey. Eventually playing at the NHL level for the Quebec...
About this show
Stories of hockey's diverse heroes, from early trailblazers to rising new talent. Their own stories in their own words, featuring players from all levels of the professional game. Together, we will bring the cards to life to understand the personality and the drive that allowed them to break down barriers.Hosted by Dean Barnes.
Hosted by
Dean Barnes / Podstarter