Darry Stevens busy scouting for Hockey Stars

During the 1970’s, Darry Stevens of Glenboro was well known in the area for his skills and natural defensive abilities on the ice. Darry’s hockey intelligence and quickness resulted in many great plays which were also noticed by the Brandon University Bobcats and the Brandon Wheat Kings, resulting in an impressive hockey career; not just on the ice, but in a number of capacities throughout his life. Playing for the BU Bobcats and Wheat Kings from 1972 to 1980 was just the beginning of a long and rewarding career that branched out in a few different and interesting directions throughout the years.

It was soon after Darry began a teaching career in Saskatchewan that he was beckoned by former Bobcat alumni to follow them down under to play in Canberra, Australia and grow the game. “I almost feel guilty saying that it was the best six years of my life. My wife and I were in our early 30’s and we just became Aussies,” he said smiling. Actually, Darry and his wife both became Australian Citizens; “It took us six years to get it done and then we came back to Canada,” he said chuckling.

Darry played hockey for the first four years as well as teaching part time, the last two as a coach. When asked about transitioning from player to coach he smiled and said; “Well, it helped me learn that I didn’t want to be a coach.”

Returning to Winnipeg in 1990 he resumed his career as an educator, but still having the desire to be a part of the game, was also hired as the video coordinator position with the Winnipeg Jets. This position required him to edit video clips for the coaches to analyze their team as well as clips of the opposition.

“After the Jets left in the mid 90’s, I took on the same role for the Manitoba Moose, but it wasn’t as extensive,” explained Darry.

The relationships that Darry made during his years on the ice have lasted a lifetime, they are ones he cherishes and he attributes his career to. “When you play a team sport, you build relationships and if you want to stay in the game, these relationships help you achieve different roles.”

The latest role that Darry has taken on in the hockey industry is that of a scout for the U15 players through former teammate, Mike Johnston, coach of the Portland Winterhawks. He also scouts for another former university teammate, Doug Hedley, coach of the Dauphin Kings. “These players, if they continue to improve yearly, will either progress to the WHL or MJHL levels,” explained Darry.

As a scout, Darry will identify prospects, following them throughout the season while keeping an eye out for players who might be late developers. He explained that as a scout, he will reach out to the player he has identified as promising, then forward the information on to the general manager. He has been a scout for Portland for ten years and five years with the Kings.

“I really enjoy this role as it enables me to stay involved at a grassroots level. There is a lot of satisfaction when you see the players you drafted make progress in the game.” There are four players that really stand out to Darry; one of which is Seth Jarvis of Winnnipeg who is currently with the Carolina Hurricanes. “He was an easy pick and Portland was fortunate to draft him,” said Stevens. Another Winnipeg player that caught Darry’s eye was Cody Glass who is currently with the Nashville Predators. “His hockey sense and stick skill is off the charts!”

Two others that have given Darry a lot of satisfaction and pride include Tyson Kozak of Souris, “Kozy is currently with the Rochester Americans in the AHL, his competing level and skating pace were high end.”

The other rural talent that caught Darry’s eye is Carter Southern of Sanford. “He is with the Portland Winterhawks but has a very good chance to be in the NHL (drafted by Philadelphia Flyers) as his offensive instincts as a defensemen really stand out.”

Darry is not only grateful for the relationships he has built over the years, and the opportunities those connections have availed him to, he is also grateful for the community of Glenboro and his parents; the late Fred and Fern Stevens. “My father and mother were great role models for me as a person growing up in Glenboro. My dad was really into sports and that was a big influence on me,” he said in closing.

PHOTO CAPTION: Former Glenboro resident Darry Stevens has travelled the world while being involved in the game of hockey.