Jacob Goudreau is playing his first season in the BCHL and repping a Green and Gold sweater but it's not his first time playing in Okotoks as he was a part of the Drumheller Dragons of the AJHL in his two previous seasons.
Goudreau came over this season with Coy Pighin, Jamie Hikida, and Oilers assistant captain Cyle Clayton from the Dragons.
"It's been a pretty easy transition, (Dragons) play a very similar style and that's why Deis (Oilers head coach) brought us here," Goudreau mentioned.
Goudreau added that he chose to come over to the BCHL instead of staying in the AJHL because the competition was at a higher level and to help prepare himself for the next step, playing for Lindenwood Univeristy of the NCAA.
"I wanted to get to the next level however it might be, wanted to get some schooling wherever it was, so it's really good," he said about his commitment to Lindenwood.
The team has been meshing very well and it helps that the former Dragon players were integrated into the roster simultaneously. Goudreau also gives some credit to returning Oilers in making the locker room a fun place to be.
"We were super close all of us last year (Clayton, Pighin, and Hikida) so it's been really easy. Brett Wilson, Kade Duell, and Jackson Rowland made it so much easier in being great guys and just becoming buddies with everybody," Goudreau explained.
Hunter Sawka and Rowland were a pain in the neck to play against Goudreau explained so he is happy to be on the other side of the ice with them now and to see how they carry themselves off the ice.
Goudreau grew up playing with Teo Pisani who is currently a member of the Spruce Grove Saints.
"We were chirping each other a lot this offseason about it. We are good buddies, I go over to his house a lot in the summertime, so we give it to each other a little bit," he joked.
Pisani's dad Fernando was a former Edmonton Oiler and scored an infamous goal in overtime during game five of the 2006 NHL Stanley Cup finals. Goudreau has made sure to pick his brain and was even coached by Fernando.
"Coach Fern (Fernando Pisani) coached me my whole life, so I have talked to him quite a bit. He's really good on the powerplay and stuff so, growing up in minor hockey a lot of our teams had a great powerplay and it set me up for success in that area and positioning. He's a very offensive coach, just helped us set up entries into the zone very early on," Goudreau explained.
He explained that his love for the game comes from his competitiveness and being able to use his body. Goudreau also explained that he loves to win a lot.
Goudreau grew up with a younger sister who didn't play the game of hockey but instead has involved herself in the sport of gymnastics. He said they are super close but definitely butt heads a few times as they are both very competitive.
His parents are big supporters of them and try to make it for every game. He said his dad comes down every weekend to watch him play and has said he loves the Okotoks area.
"They have helped me through everything. Dad definitely pushed me, Mom was always there when Dad pushed me a little too hard and she would always back me up. They have been everything to me, they have gotten me to where I am. They have put so much money and time in driving and everything. I couldn't be more grateful for them," Goudreau explained.
While Goudreau isn't the tallest player on the team, he is built like a fire hydrant. Being his size catches opposing players off guard as he can lay out the body with the best of them.
Not only can he lay out the body but he also scores goals which has been evident with his hot start to the season.
"I think it was just the offseason training and finding a groove. Just getting to the front of the net and banging stuff home," he said.
Goudreau's current linemates consist of former Dragon Pighin and returning Oiler in Duell.
"I love playing with Piggy (Pighin) back in Drum, he wins draws, and does the little things right. Duell adds the element of skill, if I go in the corner and get the puck to Duell he will find the play," Goudreau added.
The Oilers have been on a roll when playing at home lately, Goudreau gives credit to the fans who have come out and cheer loudly for the boys. He believes the noise gives them an advantage in every home game played.
When the Oilers made the move to the BCHL midway through the season it was a bit of a disappointment for Goudreau and his teammates in Drumheller as he felt the top teams had moved on. It was bittersweet because the race for a national championship was easier but he would have liked to try and knock out Okotoks, Brooks, and others in the post-season.
Brooks being an hour away from Drumheller, the Dragons shared a rivalry against the Bandits with the Oilers. With Goudreau and the former Dragons sharing a dislike for the Bandits, they fit like a glove with their new Oiler teammates.
10 Questions with Jacob Goudreau.
What is your go-to cheat meal?
"Probably a donair, I like a good donair."
Favourite player and team growing up?
"My favourite team growing up was actually the Leafs, I quite liked watching the Leafs. I would probably say my favourite player growing up was Phil Kessel. I loved watching Phil Kessel."
Favourite sport other than hockey?
"I played lacrosse. I still do play. I play for Junior B Tier 1 Outlaws. It honestly helps me get in better shape after the (hockey) season. It kind of takes away from my hockey mindset, and helps me reset playing a different sport. Plus the hand-eye and stuff helps me out so much."
What is your guilty pleasure song?
"Katy Perry Firework. I love that song. It's on my hype-up playlist."
Do you prefer to use black or white hockey tape?
"White. It's how Dad taped it, and Dad showed me how to tape it. I haven't changed it since."
What is your pre-game ritual?
"I need something mint. If it's gum or whatever I have to have it in my mouth before warmup."
Favourite TV show and movie?
"My favourite TV show is probably Friends. Favourite movie, I like the Star Wars series."
If you could meet anyone in the world alive or dead, who would it be?
"I want to meet Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. Their mindset, I would like to pick their brains."
What is the best chirp you have ever heard or said?
"A guy on my team in midget told a kid he was as useless as a white crayon, and then the kid turned around and said on black paper. I was stunned."
Would you rather go back in time or visit the future?
"Back in time for sure. I would like to go back to the medieval times and be a knight."
Bonus
If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
"A hot tub, I would love a hot tub."
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
"I want to fly. Get out of traffic."
What is your secret talent?
"I used to do those speed stacker cups as a kid. I'm not bad at those."
