Cole Beaudoin continued his strong season with a pair of goals yesterday against Sarnia.
Cole Beaudoin scored a pair of goals in Barrie's 5-2 win over Sarnia continuing his strong season.
At 6-foot-2 Beaudoin excels in the role of a power forward. He uses his frame to win puck battles down low and along the boards in order to create offensive chances. This was evident in the first goal he scored against Sarnia.
Beaudoin collected a puck in the neutral zone and drove wide into the offensive zone. He used his frame to shield the puck while cutting towards the goal. He powered through a defender and chipped the puck past Nick Surzycia to make it 2-0 for Barrie.
His second goal showcased his skill and footwork. He received a pass at the side of the goal and spun into the slot while smoothly moving the puck from backhand to forehand. In one smooth motion he shot the puck past the goaltender to make it 5-2.
It is these skills that convinced the Utah Hockey Club to select Beaudoin with the 24th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
So far this season, Beaudoin has nine goals and 10 assists through 18 games played. He is tied with Brad Gardiner for the team lead in points.
While many may shrug their shoulders at Beaudoin's point totals, he is a player who has bought into Barrie's system and plays a 200-foot game. He is details oriented working hard to suppress the opposing team's chances as well as creating offense himself.
As a true power forward, the 2006-born center also plays a physical style that punishes his opponents. He throws heavy hits that translate into turnovers.
Undoubtedly Utah fans are excited about Beaudoin's continued development. At 18 years old, he already has two gold medals playing for Canada. He won his first medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup before picking up a gold medal at the U-18 World Junior Championship.
It remains to be seen how Beaudoin will continue to develop. However, if he continues on his current trajectory it won't be long before he starts to make an impact at higher levels than the OHL.