smart hockey - eSports Desk

MARCH 2015 SMART HOCKEY
Hometown Heroes
and expectations come from me.”
Even though they contributed to
their respective nationally successful
teams with different styles of play,
Cody says his dad has impacted and
influenced his career in many positive
ways through coaching and advice.
“My dad has always said, ‘Don’t shy
away. It’s not the size of the man, it’s
the size of his heart. Fight through it,
battle.’”
Cody says it’s been an incredible
experience having his career come
full circle the way it has so far, “from
growing up and watching games then
going in the dressing room after to get
autographs from all of those big guys,
to now. Sitting in the room when kids
come in with eyes open huge the
same way yours did when you were
their age, looking up to you.”
Fraser Rodgers, the Vees’ Director
of Broadcasting and Media Relations,
knows that DePourcq is no stranger to
the recognition that comes with being
a hometown player. Whether it’s
people walking up to him personally
or his family members to talk hockey
or Cody participating in community
programs, he’s fine with it all.
“He’s the face of the franchise and
he enjoys it. The unique circumstance
of paying back his community, he’s
grateful for it,” says Rodgers. “Representing
the Vees in a professional and
upstanding manner. He’s helped the
program with his name and the way
he carries himself.”
“He’s an ultimate all around player
at the junior level,” says Rodgers.
“Cody is a torch bearer for Penticton,
it’s great to have a local player like
PHOTO: GARRETT JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY
DePourcq’s face is one of the most recognized in the Penticton area but he always
makes time for Vees fans when the team goes out for community events.
him here for 4 years.”
Fresh off his successful run with the
Vees, DePourcq is leaving next season
to play for NCAA Div. 1 Bentley where
he’s excited to start up the next chapter
of his career.
“I think a different atmosphere will
be a good thing for me,” says DePourcq.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Hometown Heroes
continues on Page 10