The Humble Beginnings for Cèdric Parè
Apr 8, 2024
By: Nicole Boldrin
In the American Hockey League, many players begin their journeys with PTO contracts, restricted to 25 games and subject to termination. Despite these limitations, these players play a pivotal role in patching team rosters, yet their skills occasionally go unnoticed.
Starting on a PTO, Eagles forward Cèdric Parè turned his chance into a journey, proving that sometimes, humble beginnings lead to success in the professional hockey world.
Although in the 2022-23 season alone Parè bounced between two different leagues and three teams, this season was monumental to his development. The native of Levis, Quebec started the season tallying 10 points in 41 games with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL before being loaned to the Belleville Senators on his first PTO where he accumulated one goal and two assists in four games.
Amid the uncertainties inherent in PTOs, Parè turned obstacles into steppingstones by emphasizing the need to approach each day with gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity ahead.
“Being on a PTO you never know what will happen, so you should never take anything for granted,” said the 25-year-old. “You can be sent home anytime, so try to take it day by day and live in the present moment.”
Eagles Head Coach Aaron Schneekloth has seen Parè grow and develop his hockey game throughout the 2023-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
This season with the Eagles, Parè set career highs across the board with 13 goals and 19 assists, for a total of 32 points in 55 games. His 32 points currently rank fourth among his teammates. Moreover, out of 55 contests Parè has had multi-point appearances in six of those.
“We are starting to see what his capabilities are,” said Schneekloth. “It doesn’t matter what line I play him on or whether he’s in the middle or on the wing, he’s driving plays out there. He’s finishing his checks and making sure he’s getting to the inside ice and good areas where he gets opportunities. He’s finding himself in the right spot at the right time.”
For aspiring players who find themselves in similar uncertain circumstances, Parè offers invaluable advice: “Out of the gate you have to do something to try to get the attention of the coaching staff so you don’t just fill a jersey for one game, but you show them that you are here to stay and that you can play on this team at this level.”
