Bonnyville Pontiacs forward Nicolas Beaudoin has announced his commitment to the University of Alaska Fairbanks as of Sunday, October 22nd, 2022.
Beaudoin is quickly becoming a hometown hero as he is just one of three Pontiacs’ on the roster originating from the Lakeland area and the first to commit to a Division I team. Beaudoin is now the Pontiacs 7th Division I commitment on the roster and will join Pontiacs alumni such as defensemen Will Hilfiker and AJ Macaulay at Alaska Fairbanks.
The 04 St. Paul, AB native has recorded some notable stats in his rookie campaign thus far as he sits with 14 pts in 16 games played, 10 of which are goals. The young forward played 17 games with the Pontiacs as an affiliate last year and when asked about his journey with the Pontiacs up to his commitment, he noted “I want to begin by thanking the Pontiacs’ organization for their commitment to helping young players such as myself get to the next level. I am grateful that they gave me the opportunity to play at this level and for their belief in what I could bring to the Pontiacs. This organization is the reason I’m able to keep pursuing my dreams of playing high-level hockey”.
When asked about why Alaska Fairbanks was the right fit, he had this to say; “It has always been a dream of mine to play division I hockey at the collegiate level and to pursue my education. Alaska Fairbanks University checked off both of these boxes and I was also very impressed with the coaches. Right from the get go, they showed genuine interest in my abilities. Everyone who I’ve spoken to that have attended the school presently or in the past, has had nothing but good things to say about the university. For these reasons, I felt this was a good fit for my family and self to join the Nanooks family”.
When asked about the 5’9 165lbs forward, Pontiacs Associate General Manager Neil Langridge stated “Nico is the 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. Nico came to the Pontiacs organization as a 17 year old last year and turned a lot of heads. When he finished the season with the Jr B Canadians, he continued to develop and push himself to make the best of every situation and was a driver and force in the NEAJBHL”.
When asked about Beaudoin’s performance this season, Mr. Langridge noted that “Nico’s start to the 22-23 campaign can be attributed to his work ethic and drive to be better everyday. He has proven himself to be one of the top 2004 born players in the AJHL and I cannot be more excited for him to be recognized by Alaska Fairbanks to help continue his career at the NCAA Division I level. Alaska is getting a great player but an even better human being”.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks is a division I team located in Fairbanks, AK and plays in the Independent Conference.
The Pontiac’s next game is Saturday, Oct. 29th at 7:00pm against the Whitecourt Wolverines at the RJ Lalonde Arena in Bonnyville, AB. This will be Beaudoin’s first game as a committed College hockey player as he continues to prove why he is a player to watch going forward.