Q and A with Saint John Sea Dogs Slick D-Man Nathan Beaulieu
If you haven’t heard of Nathan Beaulieu, be prepared to. The 18-year-old defenseman is highly touted for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, and for good reason. Last season, he put up an impressive 12 goals and 45 points in 66 games for the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs, and added another 16 points (4G,12A) in 21 playoff games. He also finished with a plus-minus rating of +43, which was good for 5th overall in the entire league. At 6-foot-2, 180-pounds, Beaulieu is a great mix of size and skill. He is a strong skater, has a good shot, makes clean, crisp first-passes, has great vision, and unbelievable hockey smarts. Which, shouldn’t be surprising being that his father (Jacques Beaulieu) is a former player himself, and currently an assistant coach with the OHL’s London Knights. So his bloodlines are strong, and he has been well mentored to say the least. Nathan represented team Atlantic at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Championships, where he put up a pair of assists in 5 games, and was recently invited to the World Junior development camp this summer. If his play on the ice this past season is any indication, the talented blueliner may just be suiting up for team Canada in Buffalo come 2011. I had a chance to catch up with the ultra-skilled, and very modest Nathan Beaulieu, for a quick Q and A.
Who has been the biggest influence in developing your game so far?
Nathan: My father has been the biggest influence in my career thus far for a majority of reasons. He knows the game so well, and always is willing to help me, and answer any questions that need to be answered.
What was your welcome moment to the QMJHL?
Nathan: In the second exhibtion game I played in, Chris Didomenico got hit from behind and I jumped in to protect him, and got in my first fight against a 19-year-old when I was 15, it was an interesting welcome to the Q.
You are seen as a very good offensive defenseman, and you are more than responsible in your own end as well. What do you believe are your best attributes as a player?
Nathan: I would say my offensive play and also my abiltites to read plays before they happen, but in saying that, I can improve all of them.
Is there a player in the NHL you mold your game after?
Nathan: I try to mold my game like Drew Doughty of the LA Kings, he is great offensivly, and even better defensively.
You participated in the World Junior development camp this summer, how did it go, and who immpressed you the most?
Nathan: The WJ camp was an unbelieveable experience, and I thought I held my own out there. Everyone impressed me, it was such good hockey and a lot of fun.
You also took part in the NHL’s research, development and orientation camp. What did you think of some of the possible rule changes, and do you have a favourite one that you hope they instate?
Nathan: The R&D camp was also a great experience, the rules were neat but we dont have much say in them, we just went out and played and left it up to the NHL guys to make the choices.
Saint John’s came within two games of reaching the Memorial Cup in 2009-10, with a lot of the core group returning, how do you like your chances going into this season?
Nathan: Last year was a great year and the young guys got a lot of experience. With a lot of the guys coming back we should have another good chance at going for another long run.
What is the highlight of your career thus far?
Nathan: The highlight of my career thus far would be being invited to the WJ camp, and having the opportunity to represent our country.
You have put up a few goals in your two years in the Q, and through minor hockey, do you have one that stands out as your biggest?
Nathan: One of the goals that stands out would be against PEI last year. I did a spin-o-rama and knocked the water bottle off. That would be the one that stands out the most.
Because you are a late-born ‘93 you weren’t eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, with this season being your draft year do you feel any added pressure to perform?
Nathan: There is always pressure especially after having such a good season last year. I’m going to need to have an even better one this season, and I’m looking forward to the chance on improving on it.
You aren’t seen as a fighter, but I did catch a youtube video of you handling yourself more than admirably in a scrap in March, do you recall what started it?
Nathan: Yeah, it was a good one, I’m not known as a fighter but sometimes you need to, just to get your team going. I dont do it a lot, but I dont shy away from it.
A lot of guys like to talk trash on the ice, what is the funniest chirp you’ve heard while playing?
Nathan: One guy asked me how much I was paying the coaches to play me on the first line, I had 5 points that night, he didnt say much after that.
What do you like to do in your downtime form hockey?
Nathan: I love to play golf when I’m not playing hockey, and watch movies with my teammates. Also we tend to play a lot of video games during the season.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Nathan: I’m a 5 handicap in golf, my father and I play a lot, and we’re very competitive with each other.
Who in your opinion is the hardest player to stop one-on-one in the QMJHL?
Nathan: The hardest player to stop one-on-one in the Q would have to be either Luke Adam or Mike Hoffman. Thye’re both big forwards, who can skate, and have great shots.
If you could pick the NHL team that selects you in 2011, who would it be?
Nathan: I won’t be picky when it comes to the NHL draft, I would be honoured to go to any team.
January 11th, 2012
Good Luck Nathan!
I miss you Nathan please visit soon OLI miss you 2!