(FREDERICTON, NB) Nicolas Guay is following a well-worn path. Actually, he’s following three well-worn paths.
The 20-year-old forward recently completed a stellar major junior hockey career, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent, and will join the UNB Reds men’s hockey team ahead of the 2020-21 Atlantic University Sport season.
“Nic is a big-time performer with a big upside to his game, and should really excel in our program,” said Reds head coach Gardiner MacDougall.
Guay played three seasons with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Drummondville Voltigeurs, before splitting his final season between the Saint John Sea Dogs and Rimouski Oceanic.
All three QMJHL teams have provided the Reds with an abundance of talent in recent years.
Two-time U SPORTS defenceman of the year Jordan Murray and Reds fan favourite Matt Boudens came from the Voltigeurs. 2019-20 U SPORTS scoring champ Tyler Boland graduated from the Oceanic, and former Sea Dogs dominated the Reds most recent roster.
“The hockey program is what led me here,” said Guay. “The winning mentality that surrounds the team is really motivating. When I visited, everyone, players and coaches, were so passionate about the game.”
While Guay’s hockey resume is impressive, it could be said that the game is in his DNA.
Guay’s father, Francois, had a long pro career that included stops in the NHL, AHL and numerous European leagues. His brother, Patrick, plays with Sherbrooke, of the QMJHL, and his sister, Alexie, just finished her first season at Boston College.
“I was recruited elsewhere, but it became clear that the program at UNB was the one made for me,” he said. “I want to get better as a hockey player, and I want to win championships.”
Guay played 229 regular season QMJHL games during his four seasons, scoring 106 goals and adding 125 assists.
He captained the Volts for two seasons, and wore the ‘C’ in Saint John until he was traded to Rimouski.
“Nic has a great skill set,” said Coach MacDougall. “He has an elite, competitive mindset, and relentless work ethic. Mostly, he’s a true ‘hockey guy,’ with a passion for the sport that runs deep in his family.”
In 2017 and 2018, Guay skated with the QMJHL All-Stars in the Junior Super Series, against Team Russia, and in 2016, he attended the Red Bull Hockey Academy, in Austria. The RBA team played in the Austria-Italy Alps League, and saw other action against teams from Finland and the Czech Republic.
“I’m a smart player, who knows the game, and I like to think I make the right plays,” he said. “I’m good with the puck, and have a knack for scoring.”
“After his career-best season where he scored 40 goals, Nic was traded to Saint John, where he played a key role in helping develop a young, but talented, Sea Dogs team,” said MacDougall. “Then, Rimouski, one of the top Q-League teams, wanted him, and he had a chance to play with up and coming superstar Alexis Lafreniere.”
Guay will pursue a degree in Business Administration while attending UNB.
PHOTOS: Drummondville Voltigeurs