Beaudoin named Yaks captain as they win both exhibitions

The Bonnyville Pontiacs have announced their captain for the upcoming season.

Nicolas Beaudoin will don the “C” for the 2023-24 season in his second full year as a Yak.

The St. Paul native put the league on notice last season, finishing third in the AJHL in goals with 40 and earned the Rookie of the Year award.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have been part of this organization for two years now and have past leaders whom I’ve had the opportunity to learn from and I really want to lead by their example,” Beaudoin said in a press release. 

Coach Mario Pouliot thinks Beaudoin proved that he’s ready for this role.

Last year, Trey Funk was the captain. Beaudoin and the coaching staff will later determine who will be the assistant captains.

“We believe we have a lot of guys with that here, but Nico was our choice because, last year, we noticed that he was a leader all season long despite not having a letter. He showed to Neil, Chad, and myself, that he was the best choice for our team and our group,” said Pouliot. 

Bobcats swept

Perhaps the most difficult thing that the Pontiacs will have to determine in this training camp is who gets to stay up front.

The Yaks forward depth has been on display with several new faces making a push to make the final 25 man roster.

On Friday night, only Noah Heinrich from last year’s team played in Bonnyville’s first preseason contest, a 5-2 victory.

Back at home on Saturday, the veterans included Beaudoin, Max Seguin, Tyler Blocha, Ludo Tardif, JR Ashmead, Josh Simpson, and Bodee Weiss, who combined for a 7-1 rout.

The line that stole the show was 20-year-old Luka Sukovic, flanked by sophomores Ethan Look and Brayden Vandenbilche.

They scored four of the first five goals, and played fast and tenacious.

Bonnyville have also acquired another NCAA Division I player, James Schneid, who will go to school at Princeton, just like Max Seguin.

Exhibitions continue this week at home on Wednesday night against the Drayton Valley Thunder, and Friday night at the RJ vs the Blackfalds Bulldogs.

The AJHL home opener is Friday, Sept. 15 vs the Drumheller Dragons.