LAKELAND – The City of Fairbanks in the state of Alaska reminds Nicolas Beaudoin of St. Paul and Bonnyville.
“They have a really big community there... and I get to see a lot of places I never visited,” said Beaudoin, sharing his excitement and explaining how he is looking forward to taking the next step of his life - and hockey career.
The St. Paul native plays forward with the Bonnyville Pontiacs and recently announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks (UAF) in a couple years.
And while it is far from home, Beaudoin says he’s “all for it.”
Committing to UAF and playing for a Division I team is a dream come true for Beaudoin.
“It’s been a goal of mine for many years now, so to achieve it is just special,” he says, explaining that committing to UAF is another checkmark off his list. “Now, I get to focus on getting better and making sure I’m ready for that next level.”
Beaudoin says his family, including his brothers and sisters, are “beyond proud and excited” for him to take the next step.
He says his oldest brother, Jean-Marc, has been one of his biggest inspirations.
“My oldest brother also played Division I with Quinnipiac University, and when he heard the news, he was just beyond proud,” says Beaudoin.
“[Jean-Marc] showed me just everything in life and showed me how to work hard, respect others, and be the best man I can be, every day, as well as giving your best in whatever you do and staying humble.”
With his brother, Jean-Marc, being the oldest in the family, and Beaudoin being the youngest, “we have a pretty big age difference, so I always looked up to him as a kid,” says Beaudoin, adding, “I want to be like him.”
His other siblings have also showered him with support, “so for me to get this opportunity to play on... they’re just beyond excited and proud.”
According to Beaudoin, his “big family,” which includes a total of two sisters and four brothers, has always had a “huge” impact on his life – pushing him to be the best version of himself.
Even in hockey, for example, after every game, Beaudoin’s father continuously checks up on him to chat about how he is doing and what he could do better.
“That’s why I am the person I am today. It is because of my family,” says Beaudoin.
When asked what he likes best about hockey, Beaudoin says, “I just love the compete factor of the game,” explaining that hockey challenges him and pushes him. “I really enjoy the process of having to compete every day,” not only in games but also in practices, she says.
Beaudoin encourages other youth to get involved in whichever sport interests them, even if it’s new.
“You can always try new things in life and see if you like them, right?”
Welcomed by the Pontiacs
After wrapping up his minor hockey career, Beaudoin spent some time on the ice with the St. Paul Canadiens, working on getting faster and stronger, before officially heading to Bonnyville to join the Junior A Pontiacs.
“When I came to the Bonnyville Pontiacs, they welcomed me with open arms and I hope every kid experiences that,” he says. “That’s how [sports] should be because that’s what I love about sports,” he says, pointing to the community that is created and the friendships that are built.
According to an Oct. 23 Bonnyville Pontiacs press release, Pontiacs Associate General Manager Neil Langridge stated Beaudoin signed with the Pontiacs organization as a 17-year-old who “turned a lot of heads.”
Langridge said Beaudoin is a “true example and proof that all you need to succeed in life and sport is a relentless work ethic and drive to achieve your dreams.”
“When he finished the season with the Jr. B Canadiens, he continued to develop and push himself to make the best of every situation and was a driver and force in the NEAJBHL,” stated Langridge. Beaudoin was even named the NEAJBHL Rookie of the Year for the 2021-22 season.
Beaudoin says he will continue to train and be better, so he can be “effective in the next level” with UAF. “It’s one step at a time, but that’s what’s keeping me motivated every day,” he says.
For now, he’s looking forward to what the Bonnyville Pontiacs can achieve in the near future, and he’s confident in the team’s current roster, coach, and potential for the 2022-23 season.
