BY SCOTT
HADDOW
The City of Greater Sudbury has always been a great launching
pad for countless hockey careers.
From current Sudbury Wolves head coach and GM Mike Foligno to
power forward Todd Bertuzzi, many have cut their teeth in the
Nickel City and went on to bigger and better things.
Paul Castron is one of these people.
The 44-year-old was recently promoted to the position of
director of Amateur Scouting with the Columbus Blue Jackets of
the NHL. Castron has previously been the club's director of
Player Development and was an amateur scout for the franchise
since 1999.
Castron, originally born in Toronto, moved with his family
to Sudbury in 1970 when he was just eight.
He attended St. Lawrence University on a scholarship,
recording 142 points in 135 career NCAA Division I games.
From there, Castron played professional hockey in the minor
leagues and over in Sweden.
While playing in Sweden, Castron got the call from an old
friend to jump into the world of scouting in the early 90s.
"A guy I played with at St. Lawrence, Randy Sexton, the man
who got the Senators to Ottawa, asked me to work for him," said
the St. Charles graduate. "I went to work for him in 1991 and
was there for eight years."
Castron's sharp eye for talent went a long way in Ottawa as
the team racked up an embarrassment of riches in superstar
players like Daniel Alfredsson, Alexei Yashin and Marian Hossa.
Castron jumped ship to Columbus in 1999, bringing his
experience and knowledge to the fledgling franchise.
Castron is proud of his recent climb up the corporate ladder
and Sudbury played a big role in keeping him connected to the
game.
"I grew up playing the game in Sudbury," said Castron. "I
was lucky to grow up in the era of Mike Foligno, Ron Duguay and
Randy Carlyle. It kept me pushing to play and pursue my
dreams."
Castron fits in perfectly with the Columbus franchise and
its direction.
"Paul is a well respected evaluator of talent and his
contributions to our organization the past seven years,
combined with his extensive amateur scouting background, make
him the ideal person for the position," said Columbus GM and
president Doug MacLean in a news release.
Castron's tasks are plentiful and can be trying at times.
"I am in charge of all our scouts," said Castron. "We all
work together as a team. Scouting isn't a one-person thing. I
make sure we are getting all the coverage we need. I still go
to games and watch hockey. It keeps me busy and I see the
world. That's a plus, but it keeps me from home. The toughest
part is being away from my family. My wife, Terri, puts up with
a lot."
Castron's influence was felt last year when Columbus
selected Wolves defender Adam McQuaid in the second round of
the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
"Adam's a steady performer," said Castron about the local
connection. "He has to improve his speed though."
Castron counts his blessings every time he goes to work.
"I am in my 16th year and having a fun time," said Castron. "I have learned a lot and feel fortunate to work in the NHL."
