When word reached Chocolatetown that the former “mayor”, Dean Arsene, received his long awaited call to the NHL, which stemmed from him signing a two-way contract with the Edmonton Oilers this past summer, the word and praises spread like wildfire, from management to former teammates, and many were happy to share their take on the news with johnwaltonhockey.com.

Former Bears’ captain, Boyd Kane, who fully realizes the struggles of an AHL player, was pleased to hear the news of his former teammate’s promotion.

“It’s awesome,” said Kane. “It’s the reason he left here, just to get an NHL shot and it’s worked out for him. Deano and I were actually back in junior; he was a 16-year-old and I think I was 18 when we first came together. It’s been a lot of days together and it’s great to see a guy that’s paid his dues get his shot.”

Andrew Gordon, who broke into the league under Arsene’s captaincy during the 2007-08 season, understands Deano’s decision to move into another organization and pursue his path into the NHL.

“To me, it justifies the move. I wanted him back here, and everyone in the dressing room wanted him back here, and I think deep in his heart he wanted to be back here; but, if there’s an opportunity presenting itself somewhere else to get that NHL opportunity, it’s his dream and he has every right to do it. So, to see it happen this early in the season, it’s unreal. I’ll be somewhere watching the game and cheering him on.”

Hershey general manager, Doug Yingst, holds no ill will toward the Abbottsford, B.C., native, whom he introduced to full-time status in the AHL.

“I think it was great news for a great guy. This was his decision that he wanted to get a two-way contract, and the reason he wanted an NHL two-way contract was at least to get an opportunity, if it be one game or longer, to play in the National Hockey League,” Yingst said.

“His decision was the right one; he’s getting the opportunity, and I don’t think anybody could be happier than his alumni here with the Hershey Bears and the Hershey Bears management, and we wish him the best.”

The news of Arsene’s ascension broke the monotony of the still-young season for Bears’ head coach, Mark French.

“It certainly brought a smile to my face, and a quick text message out to Bob Woods and we certainly will share in his call-up. I think nobody is more deserving,” French said. “He literally bled for this organization for a number of years, led us to two championships and personally, the best moment in my professional life. It really gives you faith that good things happen to good people.”

Due to Arsene’s rugged style, he made numerous trips to the infirmary during his seven-year term in Hershey.  During that time, perhaps no one got to know him better than long-time Bears’ trainer, Dan “Beaker” Stuck.

“I heard about it and right away I phoned him. I’m pumped up for him, and I actually get chills thinking about it, knowing that this, his lifelong dream to play in the NHL, is about to come true.”

Once credited by the man himself as the single most important factor in his ability to recover from his injuries and continue his playing career, Beaker is proud to have played a part in Arsene’s arduous journey to the top level.

“As much as he’s an alumni and one of the players who came through here, he’s more that that to me; he’s more of a friend. He was here for a long time, and we went through a lot of things together.  It makes feel special that I could be a small part of it.”