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Number 21 in your program; number 1 in your heart.
#21, Matt Gaudreau - Forward
Class Year: Junior
Height: 5'9''
Weight: 145 ounces
Hometown: Carneys Point, NJ
Before BC:
Gaudreau played two seasons with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, putting up 8-14--22 in '12-'13 and 7-11--18 in '13-'14.
Fun facts:
- Contrary to popular belief, his full legal name is not "Matt Gaudreau Brother Of Former Hobey Baker Winner Johnny Gaudreau." In fact, it's "Matt Ryan Gaudreau." Time for a new nickname. "Matty Ice," anyone?
- The last two players to wear the number 21—Matt Gaudreau and Steve Whitney—both played on the same Eagles roster as their older brothers, Johnny and Joe.
2014-2015 in review:
Gaudreau went 3-3--6 in 32 games, playing in every game starting with the November 11th contest against Harvard. He scored a goal against the Crimson and in the following game against Michigan State to solidify his spot in the lineup. Gaudreau also scored the tying goal in the crucial (really) Beanpot consolation game against Harvard.
2015-2016 outlook:
BC's offense was sluggish from top to bottom last year, and often it felt like the team was relying on its lower lines to score more often than they were really capable. Gaudreau has climbed out from his brother's shadow and become his own player, and he should hopefully be able to thrive in a role more suited to him.
That's not to say he can't score—Matt does possess a quick, fluid skating style and has good hands. But as an upperclassman who puts in as much effort as anyone on the ice (and who is on a very young team), Gaudreau will likely anchor a fourth line that will be able to put in a real "energy line" role for the team, putting in good minutes in the offensive zone while not really being asked to score a whole lot.
Frankly, it's a role that's been missing from the BC teams of the last few years.
Links:
Twitter: @mattygaudreau11
EliteProspects page on Matt Gaudreau
Highlights:
This assist by Gaudreau is exactly what I'm talking about with what Gaudreau's role should be this season. He works hard and makes a play in the corner to create a turnover. The goal at the end is just gravy.
Next up:
#20 Peter McMullen, Saturday 9/19