Paul Dennis, an Etobicoke native, made a significant impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs as a player development coach, mental skills coach, and video coach for 20 years. Despite not recording any on-ice statistics, Dennis’ contributions to the Leafs during some challenging years earned him respect and admiration within the organization and the broader hockey community.

Dennis began his career in sports as head of the physical and health education department at Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School in Etobicoke. He later coached the Toronto Marlboros’ OHL team and became president of the Marlboro organization. In 1989, Toronto head coach Pat Quinn appointed Dennis as the team’s video coach, marking the start of a close relationship that lasted until Quinn’s passing in 2014.

Beyond his work with the Maple Leafs, Dennis was involved in international hockey, serving as the video coach for the host country at the 1991 Canada Cup and as the sports psychologist for Canada’s World Junior hockey team in 2002 and 2003. He also played a role in establishing the Ontario Hockey League’s “exceptional athletes status” program in 2005, with John Tavares being the first applicant.

Dennis’ impact extended beyond hockey. He worked with the Toronto Raptors (NBA) and Toronto FC (MLS) as a sport psychology consultant, taught sports psychology at the University of Toronto and York University, and became a published author and sought-after lecturer.

Throughout his career, Dennis remained well-liked and respected by players, coaches, and colleagues alike. His dedication to his work, coupled with his ability to understand and connect with people, has left a lasting legacy in the sports community. Dennis credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his wife, Lynn, who played a crucial role in raising their two sons while he pursued his career in hockey and sports psychology.

In retirement, Dennis continues to do consulting work with the Ontario Hockey League and guest lecturing at universities, reflecting on a career that has spanned several decades and left a lasting impact on the world of sports.