Jean Sebastian Dea: «I think it is important to be positive in life»
02.02.2024
Jean Sebastian Dea talks about his first steps on the ice, his KHL debut and difference between the AHL and the NHL.
– Jean Sebastian Dea, who put on skates? How did it all start?– My dad user to play hockey when he was young, so I started figure skating when I was 3 to learn how to skate and then all the way up from there.
– At the adult level, how did your career develop when you realized that you would play hockey at a professional level?
When I played junior, things were getting really good, scoots were looking at me then I sign my contract with Pittsburgh and I knew from there I was going to play pro.
– North American hockey players usually like physical hockey, but you are more of combination hockey. Why?
I was always the smallest guy on my teams so I was never in charge of the physical, I had to change my game to be able to play in a physical game
You have played more than 500 AHL games. What is the difference between the AHL and the NHL?
– Well NHL is the NHL for a reason; they are the best player in the world so faster, more skill, more consistent.
– You made your KHL debut in Magnitogorsk. What did you feel when you got an offer to play in unfamiliar country?
I was nervous at first, it is not easy to leave everything behind and go somewhere so far from home. I was not very comfortable when I got there, not being able to speak and understand anything. It took me some time before I started feeling better about everything.
– How was your adjustment to Magnitogorsk and to the Metallurg team? What are your first impressions?
Everybody was really nice with me, they did their best to make me feel welcome. It was a great organization. I just have good stuff to say about them. At the end, it did not work out but it is part of the business.
– In terms of the hockey, what worked there and what did not?
Well not much worked (laughs), I was starting to feel better and more comfortable with everything and then broke my foot. I was out for almost 2 months. Therefore, that was tough, since It was my first serious injury. I felt lonely at time but made me grown as a person.
– How did the Neftekhimik team welcome you? What do you think about our city? What do you like here?
They made me feel great right away. Everybody was really nice and helped me.
– During games, it is noticeable that you are often in the right place at the right time. Where does this ability to read the game come from?
– I try to be. I would like to produce more offensively. I think It been a big learning experience for me this year. I am trying to adapt as much as possible to this game. It’s taking more time than I thought, but I believe in myself and I believe I can help this team win.
– You seem like a very positive guy. Can you tell us about your parents, brothers, sisters? This is quite interesting for our fans.
Yes, I think it is important to be positive in life. Usually good things happen when you are positive. You attract the good stuff. It’s not fun when you heard people, complaint or say bad things. It puts your mind in a bad spot. We should be grateful for this life and the opportunity we have to be healthy.
– Do you have a desire to learn Russian?
I am trying to learn words here and there but its hard.
– Do you have any desire to play in Russia after this season?
Yes, I would love to stay in Russia. I things I have a lot more to give and that I can be a good player in this league. And I need to stay longer to learn Russian (laughs).
