Crafty Gaudreau Uses Size To His Advantage On The Ice

At the same time on the Heights, BC sophomore defenseman Philip Samuelsson elected to leave York's team for the NHL. This vacated a crucial scholarship, which York promptly offered to Gaudreau. Gaudreau accepted and both he and York are happy he did.

"It's been awesome playing for Coach York," Gaudreau said. "He has put me in every situation, penalty kill, power play, and six-on-five at the end of the game. He trusts me more now and has me playing with great players like Steven Whitney and Pat Mullane."

Gaudreau's exceptional stickhandling, vision and speed have seen him shake off size issues and slide in perfectly alongside his veteran linemates, Whitney and Mullane. The forward credits the two of them and the coaching staff at BC for his torrid start to his collegiate career, a career that he hopes will conclude with at least one national championship.

At this point it is way too early to tell where Gaudreau's career will take him, but so far his play in the maroon and gold sweater has seen him leave the cynics in a heap behind him.

Also going in his favor is that Gaudreau can now count on one of the most successful coaches in collegiate hockey history as an admirer.

When asked how far his freshman sensation's talent can take him, York responded with confidence.

"He certainly has all the requisite tools to be a major impact player here at BC and how hard he works can make all the difference," York said. "That chapter hasn't been written yet. Early indications are that he really wants to be a top collegiate and professional hockey player and can get there."

Whether he stands 5-foot-6 or 6-foot-6, praise like that bodes well for the future of Johnny Gaudreau, as an Eagle and beyond.