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Corbeil's Ben Gaudreau is the newest member of the San Jose Sharks.
The former Trappers AAA goalie and current member of the OHL's Sarnia Sting went in the third round, 81st overall on day two of the NHL Entry Draft which started at 11 a.m. today for the unique online version of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft due to COVID-19.
Gaudreau, the #2 rated North American goaltender rated by North American Central Scouting, was the fourth goalie taken in the draft behind first rounders Sebastian Cossa (Red Wings), Jesper Wallstedt (Wild), and Aleksei Koloskov (Flyers).
"It's a dream come true," stated Gaudreau via social media.
"I can't wait to get started. I am extremely honoured and happy to be part of the San Jose Sharks organization."
It's the second year in a row that the Sharks selected a player with a North Bay connection. In 2020, the Sharks selected Battalion forward Brandon Coe in the 4th round, 98th overall last fall.
Of course, the first-ever North Bay Battalion player to play in the National Hockey League was Barclay Goodrow with the Sharks as he signed as a free agent in 2014.
The last North Bay trained player to go this high in the draft was former North Bay Centennials forward Tyler Rennette. The Powassan product was selected 40th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.
See related: Gaudreau trying to take in the NHL Draft experience from home
Ben Gaudreau becomes the first North Bay trained hockey player to be selected in the National Hockey League draft since Colton Point was taken in the fifth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Dallas Stars.
While he was unable to take part in a regular hockey season in the OHL, the big netminder made the most of his playing time this May as he led Canada's U18 team to gold at the IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championships.
Gaudreau finished with a perfect 5 and 0 record with a 2.20 goals-against average and .919 save percentage at the tournament that took place in Texas. He was also named the tournament's top goaltender.
While he was unable to take part in a regular hockey season in the OHL, the big netminder made the most of his experience this May as he led Canada's U18 team to gold at the IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championships.
