Thursday, April 12, 2007
Ray Jean planned to wait for his chance to become a pro hockey goalie. He was willing to finish his classes at Bentley College and see if any options were available this summer.
For now, Jean is done waiting.
Jean, a 2001 graduate of Gardiner High, signed an amateur tryout contract Tuesday with the Portland Pirates and was in uniform that night as the backup.
Jean was contacted Monday night by his agent, Peter Cooney, and asked if he was interested in playing in Portland. When Jean said yes, Cooney said he'd call back in a day or two.
Cooney instead called back 30 minutes later and said the Pirates were interested.
"He came in blind and he was a pleasant surprise," Pirates Coach Kevin Dineen said. "He established he has a strong work ethic and he's stopping pucks in practice, which makes me comfortable enough to give him a chance if the need arises."
Dineen said there are no guarantees. Jean could stay for the final three games of the season or be cut in a day. Dineen did say he'd like to give Jean some playing time in the right situation.
The Pirates needed a goaltender because starter Sebastian Caron was called up March 25 to the parent Anaheim Ducks and his replacement, Dave McKee, was reassigned Tuesday to Augusta (Ga.) of the ECHL.
The Ducks are short-handed because starting goalie J.S. Giguere is away from the team for personal reasons.
Jean finished his college career March 10. In two seasons at Bentley, Jean had a 3.38 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage, both school records. As a senior in 25 starts, he had a 4.00 goals-against average and an .880 save percentage.
"(Jean) can certainly stop some pucks," Dineen said. "With goaltenders especially, there is a real long learning curve."
Jean, who plans to return to school next week, started discussing his pro career with his agent Thursday, so the call Monday was a surprise.
"I don't think this really changes anything," Jean said, "but it is more of an opportunity for them to see me play."
Before transferring to Bentley, Jean played two seasons at Maine, backing up Jimmy Howard and Frank Doyle.
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