Ouellet ready to shine in All-Star spotlight

Ask most pro athletes about being named to their league’s All-Star team, and they will probably give themselves at least a little pat on the back.

You know, talk about how honored they are to be selected to the team without bragging too much. And how excited they are to have the opportunity to play in the presence of the league’s other All-Stars, while trying to not sound too self-deprecating or star-struck. Stuff like that.

Such statements, however, don’t even measure up to the humble nature of San Francisco Bulls’ center Dean Ouellet.

Ouellet will in fact be representing the Bulls in Loveland, Colo. this week for the 2013 ECHL All-Star festivities, which get started tomorrow with skills competitions. Ouellet will compete in the shooting accuracy and breakaway relay contests Tuesday and skate in the All-Star Game itself Wednesday night.

The All-Star game might be a platform to showcase individual players, but Ouellet is quick to give credit to the rest of his team:

“My teammates have been great this year, and I credit them with helping me get this selection.”

Head Coach Pat Curcio has always spoken highly of Ouellet’s level of play and work ethic:

“Dean is well-deserving, and we couldn’t be prouder to have him represent the Bulls in our first season. He has worked hard since he arrived and he’s earned it.”

The Edmunston, New Brunswick native has been a driving force for the Bulls since being signed last September. He scored the first Bulls goal in their inaugural home opener, and tallied the team’s first hat trick. Ouellet is second on the Bulls in scoring with 33 points (18 goals, 15 assists).

While Ouellet isn’t too hasty to give himself credit, his teammates are. Former Bulls teammate and captain Justin Bowers told SFBay:

“I’m really proud of Dean. We’re buddies from back home, so I’m especially happy to see him play in the All-Star game.”