The definition of a pure goal scorer is, “In some sports, an attacker is a specific type of player, usually one whose role involves aggressive play.” Matt Gaudreau sure is that for the Reading Royals, and then some. This young man has really evolved into a playmaking machine at both ends of the ice, “My dad taught my brother and I how to play hockey since we were two,” Gaudreau said, “Started skating and moving around. That’s definitely where the offensive abilities come from.“
Gaudreau has just been on a tear this season. He leaves players and goaltenders in the dust, as they are seen banging their sticks against the crossbar in frustration. Gaudreau has been that good for the Royals, that he even played in four games with the Stockton Heat in the AHL this year, to which, he was returned back to the Royals.
Gaudreau is currently a member of the Calgary Flames organization, but when a player is placed in the ECHL, they can choose where they want to play. He chose to play with the Royals, as it’s closer to home.
A young stud in Gaudreau, doesn’t to often disappoint his family in attendance, nor the proud Royals fans that make the trek for games. He usually puts on a show, as he pots a beautiful goal after a beautiful goal. Hockey runs in this young man’s family, as his brother Johnny Gaudreau “Johnny Hockey” plays for the Calgary Flames, “There’s definitely some brotherly competition,” Gaudreau said, “We play hockey in the Summer with a bunch of friends, a lot of our friends put us on the same team, so we don’t call each other a cheater.”
The young 25-year-old in Gaudreau pushes the play, and is physical enough to handle the rigors of a full ECHL hockey season. Gaudreau works hard in the summer, weight wise, for physicality purposes. Moreover, he also looks good with the pace of game against most teams, as well. For the season, Gaudreau is second on the team in scoring as he has tallied 10 goals, and 24 assists in 29 games played. The young man just continues to soar to new heights, and he even tallied a goal in his first game back from injury, “I had a pulled hip flexor it was a 2-3 week injury,” Gaudreau said, “My game is more of a playmaker, I’m a pass first type player. I’ve always played that way growing up.”
“If I have the opportunity to shoot, sometimes I pass,” Gaudreau continued, “I get mad at myself for it, but it’s a quick game out there. It’s always in the back of my head to pass first.“
Gaudreau appears to be a natural, and a player that knows how to put up points. He looks very good this season for the Royals, especially with the way he carries the puck up the ice. If he keeps producing like he currently is doing, then make no mistake Gaudreau has a good shot at reaching the AHL possibly next season with the Stockton Heat. Whatever the case maybe, Gaudreau is what the doctor ordered, offensive wise, for this young Royals team.
Photo Credit: Calgary Sun
