Former Battalion star Justin Brazeau is making the most of his season with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League.
The 6'-5" 220-pound right winger in the last year of a one year contract extension is having a career season with the National Hockey League Boston Bruins top minor-pro affiliate and positioning himself to potentially be a call-up for a Bruins team that is the favourite to win the Stanley Cup this spring.
The New Liskeard product has posted 16-19-34 numbers in 51 games and is in sole possession of third place in team scoring.
The third year AHLer who was originally signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs has been described as a leader on the young Providence squad that relies heavily on players like "Big Braz."
Providence Bruins Head Coach Ryan Mougenel is impressed with Brazeau's development this season.
“He’s a big identity piece for us," Mougenel told BlacknGoldhockey
"Braz is actually one of our more physical guys, not in the fact that he gives a lot of body contact, but he takes a lot of contact and protects pucks.
“He extends offensive zone time. He’s got a great set of mitts, and he’s got tons of courage. We celebrate what he’s really good at. Some of the things he’s got to get better at that probably put him in the conversation at the next level; he’s working on for sure.”
Mougenel also noted that two of his linemates, Joona Koppanen and Jakub Lauko were called up to the Bruins after playing with Brazeau.
“That’s a compliment to the player when a lot of the guys around you have success, and then he’s playing with (Merkulov) and all of a sudden Merk catches on fire," said coach Mougenel.
A 13th-round pick of the Battalion in 2014, Brazeau had a franchise record 61 goals and 52 assists this season in 68 games in his final season with the Troops in 2018-19. That year he finished four points behind Jason Robertson of the Niagara IceDogs for the OHL scoring title.
