Dean Strong

Dean Strong is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player whose final team was HC Valpellice in Italy's Elite.A league.

Playing career

Undrafted before going pro, he played four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Vermont with the Vermont Catamounts men's ice hockey team. During his senior year in the 2008-09 [NCAA Division I men's ice hockey season|2008–09] season, he set a school record by playing in his 154th consecutive game. He also served as team captain and led the Catamounts to a NCAA [Division I men's ice hockey tournament|Frozen Four] appearance.
On August 4, 2011, Strong agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL, entering his third professional season in 2011–12. He started the season with the Chicago Wolves but later played 21 games with the Wings, recording 23 points. He was then loaned to the Lake Erie Monsters for the rest of their regular season, where he appeared in a career-high 54 AHL games and registered 17 points.
Strong rejoined the Lake Erie Monsters on a one-year AHL contract for the next season. After sustaining an early injury and serving as a reserve forward, he was loaned to the Denver Cutthroats, the team's Central Hockey League affiliate, on December 5, 2012. Following a three-game stint, he returned to the Monsters, secured a regular spot on the checking line, and tallied 13 points over 36 games.
As an unrestricted free agent looking to continue his professional career overseas, Dean Strong signed his second European contract on September 2, 2013, agreeing to terms with HC Valpellice, a team competing in Italy's top-tier ice hockey league, Elite.A.