2008 Woodie Awards
Gaudet learns from humbling experience
Jake Laxen
Issue date: 10/18/07 Section: Sports
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It all seemingly fell into place for the defenseman, who came to SCSU last season looking to continue his run of solid play on the ice.
Unfortunately for Gaudet, things did not go as planned, and he spent the majority of last season undressed for games, appearing in only four games for the Huskies.
"Last year personally was a tough year; it was a bitter taste not playing much," Gaudet said.
The struggles and inconsistency on the ice took a toll on the Saskatchewan native, who had to adjust to a new role as a freshmen collegiate player.
"I can probably say it is one of the hardest times I've been through in my in my hockey career," Gaudet said.
Gaudet said he began to reconsider his options as the frustrations of limited action were thrusted upon him.
"Once I wasn't playing last year, I had to start soaking things in," Gaudet said.
As he began to evaluate his situation, he began to look at his life through a different perspective.
"You do some real soul-searching; you grow up all your life in minor hockey, high school and juniors and you are one of the top guys and it is a real eye-opener. There are a lot of good hockey players out there. Life is not always the way you want it to be," Gaudet said.
Amidst his frustrations, seniors on the team stepped in and guided the young athlete.
"I was supported by a lot of good people here. Our veterans last year were unbelievable to talk to," Gaudet said.
Gaudet specifically named fellow blueliners from last year Casey Borer, Justin Fletcher and Matt Stephenson as the mentors who kept his head above water.
"(They were ) telling me to stick with it and just battle, and that is all you can do, just keep going at it and never give up," Gaudet said.
Gaudet continued to stick with it and tried to impress the coaches in practice as well as the guys around him.