Exit Interviews 2024-25: #33 Djibril Toure

With the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs well underway and the Belleville Senators wading into the offseason, David Foot sat down with the players to reflect on a year filled with challenges, growth, and standout moments. In this exclusive series of year-in-review interviews, players open up about their personal journeys, team milestones, and what it meant to represent Belleville and the Bay of Quinte this season. From locker room highlights to on-ice battles, these conversations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the season that was — and a glimpse at what’s ahead.

Today, our guest is defenceman Djibril Toure, who spent most of the season in Belleville and some time with the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) in his first professional season.

DF: How would you put this first pro season into words, and how did it live up to your expectations coming out of junior?

DT: It was very exciting. Definitely a switch from junior, but playing against bigger guys and faster hockey is definitely what’s good for my development. I really enjoyed this year, and hopefully, more years to come.

DF: You got into 60 games between Belleville and Orlando in the ECHL. What was it like going back and forth between those two teams, and how different are they when it comes to the leagues, the markets, etc.?

DT: You can feel the difference when you go up and down. There’s way more strategy and structure here, and you can just see the difference. But it’s been fun in both leagues, and I’ve been learning a lot.

DF: You played a lot of games as well. Were you expecting to get into as many games here in Belleville as you do?

DT: No, but to my surprise, I was lucky enough to do it, and I’m glad I did.

DF: Is there an area of your game that you’ve made big strides in and are proud of this year?

DT: Yeah, absolutely. My decision-making with the puck has definitely improved. There’s still some stuff to improve execution-wise, but I know that’ll come.

DF: What does your summer look like? You’re going to join the Orlando Solar Bears for their Kelly Cup run, which will be a lot of fun. Are you looking forward to getting some playoff hockey in?

DT: Yeah, that’ll be really fun. But this summer, there’ll be a lot of training and getting back to my physical shape that I was in last summer and get ready for the season. I’m in Montreal, but I go to Ottawa a lot to train.

DF: What about outside of training? How will you decompress and spend some time?

DT: Just hanging out with friends, family, and people I’ve missed. It goes a long way.

DF: Any words for the fans here at the end of a disappointing season that still had a lot to be proud of?

DT: I do really want to thank the fans. You guys were very supportive of us, and it makes us want to go out and do our jobs better, so I do want to thank the fans. We really appreciate you guys.

—

Visit the Belleville Sens website: www.bellevillesens.com
Engage with the Belleville Sens on Twitter: @BellevilleSens
Like the Belleville Sens on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BellevilleSens
Follow the Belleville Sens on Instagram: @BellevilleSens
Listen to the Belleville Sens on Mixlr: www.bellevillesens.mixlr.com