Otters’ Gaudreau signs one-year deal with Rockford IceHogs

ERIE, PA (WJET)–Former Erie Otters goaltender Ben Gaudreau is taking his talents to the American Hockey League.

Gaudreau signed a one-year contract with the Rockford IceHogs on Monday.

“Something you kind of dream of as a kid is getting that first contract so I think the main thing is, it’s a foot in the door. Like you said, it’s the feeder program for the Chicago Blackhawks as well so…It’s exciting and like I said it’s that first step in your kind of pro career. Interested to see where thing will go.”

Ben Gaudreau, Former Erie Otters goaltender

The 2021 San Jose third round draft pick spent the better part of his last season recovering from an injury.

He then came back when the Otters needed him the most and was a critical component during their playoffs run.

“I think when it comes down to it, like the way that they treated you there. They treated you like pro hockey players whether it was the coaching staff or training staff or just the overall staff there felt very pro…I think Cooper really helped me out there quite a bit with that stuff so I can’t thank him enough and the organization as well.”

Ben Gaudreau, Former Erie Otters goaltender

This week Gaudreau is in Chicago for the Blackhawks development camp.

He says that the way they run things is different than his other experiences, but he likes their focus on individuality.

“I think an hour of ice for the next couple of days here but other than that, there are workouts and seminars and kind of little group things like that…At other places I haven’t done that type of stuff. I mean we’ve had lots of ice and hard gym sessions. It almost wears you down but what I think they’re trying to do here is, they’re really trying to work and focus on development to show you that it’s not just hockey. You have to focus on other things and develop traits as a human being as well and it’s pretty cool.”

Ben Gaudreau, Former Erie Otters goaltender

Otters’ forward Martin Misiak and defenseman Ty Henry are also at the Blackhawks camp.

Gaudreau says he is looking forward to working with Chicago’s coaching staff and the other talented athletes attending development camp, but it doesn’t hurt to have few former teammates with him along for this journey.

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