Val Caron's Andre Gauvin is a man who knows what he wants.
He carries this attitude because he has a great deal of
self-confidence in his own ability. It has also brought Gauvin
down many different paths in the world of hockey.
Last season, Gauvin was a defenceman for the Sudbury Junior
Wolves. He felt he wasn't being utilized to his full potential,
so he left the squad, even though they were the best team in
the NOJHL and would go on to win the league championship.
It was a tough decision to make, but Gauvin knew, eventually,
it would be for the best.
In the summer of 2006, he joined the Blind River Beavers. The
Beavers finished the previous season four games under .500 and
didn't last long in the playoffs, getting taken down by
Northern Michigan.
Fast forward to this season, Gauvin and the Beavers are one of
the best teams in the NOJHL. They sit in fourth place (one
point away from third) with a record of 18-12-1-4.
A big reason for the surge in the Beavers' play has been
Gauvin. The veteran defender has stepped in and solidified the
Blind River blueline. Gauvin is leading all NOJHL defencemen in
scoring with three goals and 35 points in 32 games. He's also
10th in league scoring.
The decision to move on was bold but perfect.
"Coming to Blind River has definitely been worthwhile and the
right move for me," said the six-foot-one defender. "I played
for Sudbury last season, but I felt I wasn't getting the ice
time I deserved. I was working hard everyday, but the
opportunities weren't there. I decided to move on and I
couldn't be happier."
Gauvin gives full marks to his fellow players for helping him
rack up the points.
"The credit has to go to my teammates...they helped me feel
comfortable and have allowed me to play my game," said the
175-pound blueliner. "We move the puck well and I get a lot of
shots on net. My teammates tip a lot of shots in for goals. It
all comes down to everyone working together to make things
happen."
The Beavers' brass has been impressed with their imported
talent.
"Andre is highly skilled and has the ability to control the
play," said head coach Todd Stencill. "He makes a good first
pass to get the offensive attack  going. He's our
quarterback on the power play. He has a big role and impact on
our team. We count on him to bring a solid game each and every
day."
Being from Greater Sudbury and playing hockey in Blind River
has its challenges, and would wear most players down in a
hurry, but not Gauvin. He thrives on being dedicated and making
the extra effort to play hockey in an environment he
enjoys.
"The travel is the hardest part," said Laurentian University
kinesiology student. "We have guys from all over like Sault
Ste. Marie, Elliot Lake and Sudbury. It can be difficult to
stay in touch with teammates, but we bond at practices, games
and road trips. I don't mind the travel."
His coach salutes Gauvin for making the sacrifice to play
hockey away from his home.
"He travels back and forth for practices and home games," said
Stencill. "Sometimes, he's travelling five nights a week. To do
that, you need dedication and he's shown us he's committed to
our team. He's a great person too. He's one of our assistant
captains. He shows up to the arena every time ready to work
hard."
Gauvin is savouring every moment with his team.
"The team is doing well...we're challenging for a top spot this
year," said the L'Horizon graduate. "Everyone gets along well.
Having that good group of guys to play with is the most
important thing to me."
Gavin wouldn't change a thing in his life right now.
"For me, I am having my best season in hockey ever," said the
20 year-old.
Gauvin hopes his exploits this season will help land him a
scholarship to play NCAA or Canadian university hockey.
