Dean Letourneau ’24 stands out as first-round pick in NHL Draft

In a dazzling spectacle of lights and anticipation at The Sphere in Las Vegas, the Boston Bruins selected a St. Andrew’s standout during the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. With the 25th overall pick, they chose the towering talent of Dean Letourneau ’24, a young phenom hailing from the small town of Braeside, Ontario.

Leading up to the June 28 draft, Dean, 18, exuded a mix of excitement and humility. “I’m very excited; it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he shared with CTV News Ottawa. “I haven’t really been thinking about it too much because I want to be able to sleep at night.”

Growing up an hour west of Ottawa, Dean’s journey to the NHL was forged in the heart of the Ottawa Valley. “Playing in Arnprior, going to the Ottawa Valley Aces, the Ottawa Titans, and then playing for Renfrew, it was awesome to be able to play from home and play for my valley,” he reminisced.

Standing at an imposing 6’6” and weighing over 200 pounds, his presence on the ice is as commanding as his statistics. Over the past two seasons at St. Andrew’s College, he amassed a staggering 127 points in 56 games, including an impressive 61 goals. His performance with the Saints earned him MVP honours and a commitment to Boston College for the fall.

Ranked 23rd among North American skaters by NHL.com, Dean’s selection by the Bruins was a dream come true despite growing up as a Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins fan. “For me, it doesn’t really matter. It’s the NHL, so any team for me is going to be awesome. I’d be more than happy to play for them,” he stated in an NHL.com article.

The journey to draft night was not just about skill but also the support of family. Dean’s father, Jeff, a former college hockey player, and his mother, Vicki Wilson, a talented basketball player, laid the foundation for his athletic prowess. Dean also showcased his versatility by playing lacrosse as a long-stick midfielder, focusing on defence.

As the night unfolded, Dean’s selection by the Bruins was met with cheers and celebration. The young centre, known for his scoring ability and physicality, is now set to bring his talents to Boston, where the hockey world will watch his career with great anticipation.

“St. Andrew’s has a great track record of guys getting drafted into the NHL and playing in the NHL,” Dean noted. With his name now added to that prestigious list, the future looks incredibly bright for the recent SAC grad and the Bruins’ newest prospect.