The Cooks Bay Canucks mastered a decisive 10-0 win last Sunday over the Marmora Lakers at Barrie’s Allandale Rec Centre, with the Canucks playing a tight, controlled game that left the Lakers few opportunities to score.
“Everyone understands the game of hockey at this level,” said right-winger Aaron VanLeusen, who had a hand in half of the evening’s goals with two goals and three assists. “It definitely helps playing with players of this calibre and this experience.”
Experience and skill are attributes the 26-year-old Barrie native has in abundance. At Sunday’s game he shone amongst the other players and seemed to be at the centre of every play.
VanLeusen started playing hockey at age five, and other than a year off last year while applying to become a police officer, has played hockey ever since.
His career began with Barrie Minor Hockey, where he played until being drafted at age sixteen to the Brampton Battalions. He spent four years with the Battalions where he was drafted to the Detroit Red Wings and attended three training camps from 2000-2002 though unfortunately was never invited to sign up.
Following the Battalions, he headed East to play three years of University hockey at St. Mary’s in Halifax, which then led — thanks to Dutch citizenship — to a year playing in the Dutch Hockey League.
“It was fun to travel and make money,” he said. After his stint in Europe, VanLeusen returned to Canada, and began playing with the Canucks this fall.
“When this opportunity came up (to play with the Canucks). I was definitely interested in coming out,” he said. The league boasts many players with professional or semi-professional experience and VanLeusen compares the level of play to University hockey.
“With so many experienced players, it’s easier to adapt and come together as a team. You don’t have the same growing pains as a younger team.”
There were no signs of growing pains Sunday night and despite it being the team’s fledgling season and having played a few less games than the other teams, the Canucks are in second place in the Eastern Ontario Senior Hockey League behind reigning Champions the Whitby Dunlops.
“For a new team trying to come together the season is going well so far,” he said, adding that everyone playing for the Canucks takes the game seriously.
York Regional Police hired VanLeusen last December and due to his work schedule he has only played four games this season. Part of the problem has been the re-scheduling of home games due to the delay in the Innisfil Recreation Centre but with a new rink now open and a more predictable schedule he expects to be able to spend more time on the ice.
“Being a police officer,” he said, “Unfortunately it’s something I have to work around.” He added that come January and February for the playoff push, he plans to be at as many games as possible.
“Hockey is something I don’t want to give up. It’s still fun, and it’s good getting together with the guys and having a break from work.”
Despite having taken a year off, VanLeusen said he was still in shape when it came to getting back on the ice this fall.
“I’ve always been big on training. It’s something I try to keep up,” he said, though he did say that after starting in August it took a couple weeks to get back.
While VanLeusen has had more hockey moments and experiences than many less talented players combined, the one that stands out is being drafted to the Red Wings.
“Being drafted to Detroit, going to the training camps and skating on the ice with the big names Detroit had at that time was an invaluable experience for hockey. Seeing the work ethic of the players and how the professional players take their job seriously was a valuable lesson for hockey and for everything in life.”
Today's Weather 
Clear and 14°C
Clear and 14°C
