After being 3-0 down against Dunedin Thunder last Friday, the 29-year-old’s hat-trick helped Stampede turn around the deficit to record a big win — though they then lost only their second game this year, also against the Thunder, the following night.
Following his older brother, Jean first played ice hockey when he was only 3 at an outdoor rink in Minnesota — his family then moved to Michigan when he was 7.
Following university, he had many years playing for minor league teams in the United States.
He then had a season each in Perth, Australia, and Sweden, then two seasons in France before heading to Queenstown last month.
Through a mutual friend of 2023 Stampede import, Jeff Solow, he contacted coach Cam Frear, and almost came last year before things aligned this year.
Jean says NZ hockey is "a lot more physical than I expected it to be".
As for his points-scoring to date — 15 goals, 12 assists — "it helps being on the best team in the league".
"The one thing that’s impressed me the most is the organisation, like, not just the players on the team but everybody, from the president down, is efficient, and I think it’s pretty evident in the success they’ve had.
"The Stampede may not be a professional-level team, but the team is run at a professional level."
Jean says he and fellow United States import Max Roth, who both coincidentally attended universities in Worcester, Massachusetts, at the same time, also enjoy helping out the junior ranks.
"I mean, any way we can help out and show how grateful we are for the team bringing us out here".
He also does a bit of part-time labouring and construction work for Golden Homes.
He says what he loves about the sport is its culture, the travel opportunities and friendships with team-mates.
Having had some injury issues this past season, he thinks he will pull pin after this season and use his accountancy qualification.
"I guess, if it is the end of the road, Queenstown’s a special place, and I wouldn’t be upset with it being my last experience."
However, the temptation to return for another season here "could be high", he admits.
