Jean-Christophe Beaudin, excited to play at home
On July 29, the Rocket announced that they had reached an agreement with Jean-Christophe Beaudin. The 24-year-old center had just completed the COVID season with the Belleville Senators, during which he had played eleven times against Laval.
He experienced a strange feeling when he put on the jersey with the logo that he had seen so often on the other side of the ice during the winter of 2021. This feeling was quickly replaced by the excitement of playing at home and reuniting with several former teammates.
“It was weird a little bit at first, just putting the jersey on, we had seen them [The Rocket] so much last year and it was pretty tough to play against them, but after that it was okay.”
Among his former teammates present at training camp were several members of the 2015-16 edition of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, with whom he won the President Cup, awarded to the QMJHL playoff champion team. It is one of his fondest memories. According to Beaudin, the chemistry created during such a victory is very special and they have a strong bond that unites them all.
“When you win with a team it creates an incredible chemistry and it was fun to see them
[former Huskies teammates]
and to be together. Every once in a while you look back on those moments and it’s really one of the best moments of my life.”
His time in the juniors took place entirely with the Huskies, where he had some great years, before making his professional debut in the Colorado Avalanche organization, a team that had made him its third round pick in 2015. He also won the Kelly Cup, awarded to the best team in the ECHL, with the Colorado Eagles in 2018.
Another great memory for the young man from Longueuil is his first game in the National Hockey League. This game took place in front of family and friends, on October 23, 2019, in the national capital, when he was part of the Ottawa Senators organization.
For his family, Laval is even closer. His parents, brother and sister are often present at Rocket games and continue to cheer him on from up close. He has had tons of support throughout his career. His father and a friend of his have traveled extensively to be in the stands at as many arenas as possible that he has played in. There are many good people around him and the sacrifices his family has made for him, inspire and help motivate the sneaky forward.
It was his father who introduced him to hockey. A police officer at the time, he played in a work league and the very young Jean-Christophe was given the essential role of filling water bottles for the team. The camaraderie and team spirit made him fall in love with the sport, which he naturally chose as a career.
He wants to be here, near his family, for many years. He knows he has to prove to the coaching staff that he can help the team in many ways. He wants to enjoy it and have fun. As he gets older, with experience, he learns to give himself chances and live day to day. It’s a challenge for him. The Rocket’s number 17 is hard and demanding of himself.
Nevertheless, the Laval Rocket have a great “gang” this year and he sees a great season for him and for Jean-François Houle’s team.
“Since I got here, I’m super happy, the team is doing well in general, we have a great gang of guys. We’re going to have a great season and I’m very excited.”
(Jean-Christophe Beaudin suffered an injury during the October 29th game, after playing seven games and collecting 5 points at the beginning of the season).
