NEWS

Hard work and determination have never been lacking from Kyle Dutra’s (photo credit – Izak Westgate/HHOF) hockey mantra as he brings a level of compete not always found in a young player. That, along with an innate ability to play the game at a high level, are the reasons Dutra earned a spot as a member of Team East for the upcoming CJHL Prospect Games being played on December 7-8 in Dauphin, Manitoba. The OJHL has 11 representatives at this year’s annual showcase, the most among all Junior ‘A’ leagues in the country.

Kyle Dutra was born on January 28, 1993 in Mississauga, Ontario and would grow-up playing in Mississauga’s minor hockey system, a large majority of which was spent with the ‘AAA’ Mississauga Senators program in the GTHL. Not always the most talented player on his team, Dutra more than made up for that with his commitment to the team and to the game of hockey, both on and off the ice. This was a fact not lost on his peers, when he was awarded the Pierre James Memorial Award during his 2007-08 Bantam season for being the Senators player who best exemplifies dedication, perseverance and a competitive spirit during the hockey season.

Entering his minor midget draft year, Dutra was clearly one of the Senators leaders, but was also excelling off the ice in high school. With a solid upbringing and core values from his parents Sally and Victor, the importance of education had been instilled at a young age and over the next two years, he would bring home averages of 90.2% and 92% in grade 10 and 11 respectively. His dedication to schooling earned him the Mississauga Senators Minor Midget Scholarship Award for ‘excellence in his academic achievements’ in 2008-09 and the same award in Midget the following year. Combined with his tremendous hockey skill-set, Dutra was now clearly on the right path to one-day hopefully obtaining an NCAA scholarship.

The next logical step in his progression was to remain NCAA eligible and the choice became much more difficult after he was selected by the Sarnia Sting in the 9th round, 172nd overall of the 2009 OHL Priority Selection Draft. The next year, back with the Senators organization, Dutra was listed as an ‘AP (affiliated player)’ with the Mississauga Chargers Junior ‘A’ club and with the Chargers out of the playoffs by late January, the power forward earned a chance to play for the big club. During six games with the Chargers, the 17-year old would record five points in six games played, including his first two junior hockey goals. With a taste of the OJHL, Dutra now understood the benefits playing Junior ‘A’ hockey would afford him, “The benefits of playing in the OJHL are that I am afforded the ability to play a high calibre of hockey, while retaining a wide range of educational opportunities in both Canada and the United States. I also like the fact that I can live at home, attend my local high school and have the support of my family and friends.”

Unsure where his hockey career would take him next, the 6’2”, 195 lbs. right winger received a call from his former Senators coach, Mike Tarantino, who was now the bench boss for the Upper Canada Patriots, offering him a place to play that was just down the road from home. Tarantino later spoke about the qualities Dutra would bring to his squad, “Kyle has been a great addition to our team this year. He brings energy, hard work, and determination to the rink on a daily basis. Kyle has quickly established himself as a very versatile player who is growing into becoming a very good "power forward". He has good speed, a good shot, and is very strong on the puck. He plays in every situation (PP, PK, 5v5) and is a very intelligent and coachable player. Being 6'2 and 195lbs, he uses his size to his advantage.” Continuing on, the coach discussed Dutra’s off-ice abilities as well, “He is just as popular off the ice as the players really like having him around in the dressing room. Kyle has also garnered some NCAA interest and earned a 92% average in grade 11. I expect Kyle's hockey ability to only improve throughout the year and be a key contributor as we fight to earn a strong playoff position.”

The tenacious forward started the 2010-11 season strong, recording points in five of his first six games with the Patriots and over the course of the season has had two, four point games. Dutra currently sits with 13 goals, second on the Patriots and 28 points, fourth on the club, while leading the team with five power play goals. His presence has been essential as the Patriots fight for positioning in the tight South Division, currently sitting tied for second with the Villanova Knights. Now in grade 12, the 18-year old has thus far enjoyed the OJHL experience, “Being in the OJHL this year has been an amazing experience for me, especially playing for and representing a great organization in the Upper Canada Patriots hockey club.”

Not originally selected to play in the CJHL Prospect Games, Dutra was overjoyed with the opportunity he has been given, “When my coach called me to let me know that I had been selected, I was surprised and excited. It is an honour to be chosen to represent Team East, considering the depth of talent around this league. This is an amazing opportunity for everyone selected and I just want to continue to work hard and help my team win the series.”

Playing in stands full of NCAA and CIS scouts will only accelerate his opportunity at the next level, and while always on the look-out for the best hockey players available, Dutra’s academic excellence cannot be taken for granted and he looks forward to the next phase of his hockey career, “I hope to develop into an elite player that in the future can continue on to the NCAA, where I can obtain an education, while playing Division I hockey. My ultimate goal is to one day play professional hockey.”

When the term ‘student-athlete’ is often thrown around, at times haphazardly, for anyone that plays sports and goes to school, it is those that truly excel at both that define the term and Kyle Dutra fits that mould perfectly.

Stayed tuned over the upcoming days for more features on OJHL Team East members playing in the 2010 CJHL Prospect Games.