With size, strength and agression, Jean Dupuy fits nicely into the new look Belfast Giants. The 24 year old from Orleans, Ontario joins Adam Keefe’s side after a year out of the game considering his options, yet his reputation from previous employment has remained intact.
As the names join the EIHL Champions roster, so does a wider indication to the style Adam Keefe is possibly looking to utilise in this terms competition. Dupuy joins with experience in Juniors and AHL, notably with Adam Keefe’s Brother, Sheldon at the Marlies, and with the Rochester Americans where he wore an ‘A’.
Despite agreeing to join St Francis Xavier College in the USports programme for the forthcoming season, Dupuy made the decision to remain in the pro-sphere and cross the Atlantic and join the Giants.
Dupuy’s career in Juniors with Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds led to him playing the first two seasons of his professional career with the Rochester Americans. Signed to an entry level deal as an undrafted free agent, the Buffalo Sabres opted not to qualify Dupuy when the deal expired.
Dupuy will bring size, strength and physicality down the middle of the ice, and he’s a player who doesn’t shy away from dropping the gloves. Dupuy isn’t all brawn, though; he posted 21 points in his rookie year on a struggling Amerks outfit.
Mark Rackham – Maple Leafs Hot Stove, 3rd July 2017
This Giants team is being pieced together of a lot of differing talents, but one thing is for sure, it has a lot of strength and agression in its line up.
Dupuy made a name for himself early in his junior career with his willingness to engage opponents and use his size and strength to play a physical game; fighting when necessary to change the momentum of a game or to protect a teammate. He showed some scoring ability as an over-age forward in his final season with Sault Ste. Marie. Bigger and stronger than some of the younger players in the OHL, he is also skated for a dominant Greyhounds squad so it could be unrealistic to expect Dupuy to have that same scoring touch at the pro level. What makes him attractive as a prospect is his work ethic, combativeness, and the perseverance he has shown to continue improving while overcoming a series of nagging injuries.
Jean Dupuy will fit in nicely.
‘Bout ye.
Words: Patrick Smyth, Audio: AVFTB, Pictures
