Following a successful major junior (OHL) and university (USports) career back in North America, Taylor Dupuis took his talents internationally to Europe.
Taylor shares some of his experience playing overseas.
What countries have you played in overseas since you made the move to Europe?
France and Germany.
Could you share with us your experience playing hockey in Europe?
First year in France was unique because it was the peak of Covid so no fans, however to live 10 minutes from Paris and be able to hop on a subway and be downtown Paris and explore was something I never thought I’d experience.
Now in Germany, playing in front of fans, it’s incredible.
Not only do you get to experience a different culture but a different sporting culture. The crazy soccer/football experiences that we see from back home bleed into all other sports. The chants, the drums, it’s such a thrill to be a part of and to experience for an athlete at any level.
It’s so easy and inexpensive to travel Europe on time off.
Last year with 3 weekends off, we travelled to Prague, Amsterdam and Berlin all either by train or car. But should you want to fly somewhere you are paying a 1/4 if not less for a flight. They do it right over here.
How many pro clubs have you played for over here in Europe to date?
Neuilly Sur Marne (France) and Harzer Falken (Germany).
What's typical day to day life like outside off the ice?
You get to emerge yourself into the country’s culture. The food, the language, the drinks, the traditions, the list goes on.
You get to experience a complete different set of cultural practices (or procedures) first hand. Things you never even heard of or never thought you’d do or see. Everyday is a school day and it’s unreal that sport has given you this experience.
In your opinion, how would you describe the style and level of play in Europe based on the leagues you've played in?
Game is certainly more open with the bigger hockey rink dimensions (Olympic size). The reffing seems to be stricter on the stick and rough stuff but it all depends where/what league you go to and it’s import rules and such.
Have you had other import players there as teammates with you in Europe? If so, how was the experience playing alongside them throughout a season.
In France we were 8-9 other Canadians, whereas our import rule now is 2-3 North Americans and we are 2 Canadians.
It makes the overall experience better when you can share it all with someone in a similar position.
The struggle of a new language, traveling to new places, meeting foreign people. It simply adds a level of comfortability and also creates new friendships.
Could you share with us any favorite personal stories from playing overseas?
At the end of every win, your team must line up in front of the ultras where they do their chants followed by the players skating up to them with a celebration.
Just something we don’t see back home that is unreal to experience. At a sold out home derby game, we scored a few quick ones. The glass is extra low where all the ultras sit and that’s where our guys celebrated. We’ll after the 2nd big goal, fans were throwing beer everywhere in excitement, getting onto the players.
Game was delayed for 30 minutes to take care of our crazy fans haha.
And at the end of every season we do a “fan appreciation” game where our team mixes with the local old timers (many that have played for the team before) and play a game.
The game takes extra pauses for drink breaks, fan interactions, etc. after the game, fans are allowed on the ice where we have some drinks, sign jerseys, shoot the shit. It’s awesome.
What do you enjoy most during the summer (off season) while you are out of the season?
I have a full-time job at as a golf course manager so my summers are unfortunately very busy.
At the same time, I get to spend my summers on a golf course and winters in the rink so it’s hard to complain!
What's a funny word or phrase you learned in the foreign language where you play?
Pupnasse.
The English translation is a cardboard nose but from what the Germans tell us, it’s like saying you’re a piece of sh*t, essentially.
