Hope springs eternal. That’s the feeling Cam Boudreau has going into his second season of junior hockey with the Junior Bruins.
The Salem, N.H., native made the transition from prep school hockey to playing in the USPHL NCDC last season. With a year under his belt, he is primed to again be one of the top defensemen in the junior league.
“(2017-18) was my first year playing junior. It took a little bit of an adjustment playing prep the year before at Governor’s. It was a big jump, but I think I managed it well,” said Boudreau.
Boudreau put up good numbers — three goals and 11 assists in 48 games — for a junior hockey rookie. His strong play on the ice earned him recognition from NHL Central Scouting, as he was ranked 189th among North American skaters in the organization’s final list prior to the 2018 NHL draft.
In addition to being a veteran and playing big minutes on the blue line, Boudreau has been bestowed the honor of being named captain for the 2018-19 season. He’s looking forward to leading by example and taking some of the younger players under his wing.
“I’m really looking to make a big impact on the team. Being named captain is a big responsibility. I want to take the opportunity I have to make a great season out of it,” Boudreau explained.
“We have a lot of great players on the team. We want to get some college deals for the guys who don’t have them yet,” Boudreau added.
While making the transition from prep or high school to junior hockey can be difficult, Boudreau credits the coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Anderson, with elevating his confidence.
“Having poise with the puck, not turning it over, being smart when I have it and trying to make positive plays,” said Boudreau of the biggest gains in his game last season. “They really helped me with my confidence, especially with the puck on my stick.”
Standing at 5-foot-11, Boudreau always has been thought of as a swift-skating, offensive-minded defender who defends the rush and in zone with a good stick. His mobility allows him to transition smoothly.
“I’m a strong skater. I like to hop into the rush. I try to defend well with my good stick and turn defense into offense,” said Boudreau, who is committed to playing college hockey at Quinnipiac.
While many young players will try to emulate or model their game after a certain player, Boudreau prefers to keep close tabs on several NHL defensemen. He hopes to pick up various tips on different aspects of their game to make his own play better.
“There are guys I try to take certain parts of their game and turn it into my game — the way (San Jose Sharks defenseman) Erik Karlsson can skate the puck,” said Boudreau. “I try to watch other defensemen who have good sticks and who defend well.”
While Boudreau had a few offers from Hockey East programs, he fell in love with Quinnipiac during his visit to the school, and committed not long after.
"Visiting the school, I loved everything about it. I visited Merrimack and UVM. I wanted to hear all the offers. Quinnipiac’s offer was the best. ... I liked the school a lot and the campus. The rink is beautiful. I can really see myself playing there,” said Boudreau
