Patience and poise
Defenceman Will Trudeau shining in rookie season for Charlottetown Islanders
“I think he’s got a very bright future in this league.” Noah Laaouan Teammate
Will Trudeau has shown he belongs.
The 17-year-old defenceman began his rookie season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) rotating in and out of the Charlottetown Islanders’ lineup. When injuries struck the team’s blue-line, Trudeau received regular shifts. With more ice time, his confidence has grown and his play continues to steadily improve.
“Willy, amongst all of them, has really seized the moment and ran with it, to the point where you’re not going to bring him out of the lineup now,” head coach Jim Hulton said.
Trudeau was the least heralded of the five assets the Islanders received 11 months ago when they traded captain Pierre-Olivier (P.O.) Joseph to the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Also coming back to the Islanders were defenceman Xavier Bernard and forward Cedric Desruisseaux, both former first-round picks in the QMJHL, plus a second-round pick in 2019, used to select forward Justin Gill, and a firstround
pick in 2021.
Trudeau, no relation to the prime minister, was playing major midget when he learned of the trade.
“I was surprised because I was a late pick in the draft,” said the 11th-round selection. “I wasn't expecting I was going to be traded. When they called me I was more excited.”
Hulton credited Quebec head scout Allan Cusson for identifying Trudeau as trade talks with Drummondville heated up.
“When you read back on his reports, the reliability, the steadiness, the hockey IQ have really come to the forefront,” Hulton said. “He’s been easily the most pleasant surprise just because of the unknown factor.”
Trudeau, the six-foot, 185pound rearguard, came to camp in August with the goal of making the team but with no guarantees.
“When I arrived here, I was like the new guy. I was shy and I didn’t know anybody,” he said.
But before long he met other rookies like Anthony Hamel and Gill and then some of the returning Quebec players like Xavier Fortin and Zac Beauregard joined the squad. He said they all made the transition easier.
In major midget, Trudeau’s family would be at every game. It’s not a possibility in major junior, which made Trudeau excited for the Quebec road trip. The Islanders played Saturday in Sherbrooke, Sunday in Quebec and tonight in Rimouski and his family planned on attending each game.
“It’s going to be amazing,” Trudeau said before departing Charlottetown. “But I need to play my game and concentrate and good things will happen.”
Trudeau scored his third goal of the season in Sunday’s 8-2 loss to the Quebec Remparts at the Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City. The Islanders were down 4-1 after the first period when they were outshot 16-2. Rookie Jacob Goobie made 23 saves in the loss while Thomas Casey had a goal and an assist.
Hulton said two of Trudeau’s biggest assets are his patience and poise. Not the biggest defender, Trudeau relies on strong positioning and hockey IQ to be a steady defender. Hulton said his laid-back personality also translates well on the ice.
“I don't think anybody had a full value of how well he thinks the game,” Hulton said. “This guy is a sneaky good offensive defenceman.”
Noah Laaouan, 18, has played with Trudeau at points during the past few weeks. He said the rookie is a really good player with a lot of skill.
“He skates really well, moves the puck well and I’ve really enjoyed playing with him,” Laaouan said. “I think he’s got a very bright future in this league.”
Trudeau attended the 2018 draft in Shawinigan and was happy to be drafted by his hometown Voltigeurs in the 11th round. He hopes his perseverance shows other young players there are possibilities regardless of where you are drafted.
“Even if you’re a late draft pick, you can (make) a team in the Q. You just need to believe in yourself and work hard.”