Fresh out of high school hockey, the 04’ goaltender out of Lawrence, Massachusetts signed with the Valley Junior Warriors to play in the EHLP. With the eventual goal of playing college, Beaulieu “pulled the trigger,” trusting the process and Warriors General Manager, Ryan McGrath, and began his juniors career.

“In general, I’m a very confident person in my game and the way I carry myself,” Beaulieu said. “Once I got the P, I realized how good junior hockey is. It doesn’t matter what level you’re at. I always thought there were guys that were better than EHL guys. It just proved how hard junior hockey is. The big thing for me was staying consistent and blocking out all the noise.”

Beaulieu emerged as one of the top goaltenders in the EHLP for the 2022-23 season, boasting a .915 save percentage for the Warriors. He earned four call-ups throughout his rookie campaign, winning half of those at the EHL level. Enjoying plenty of game-action at the Premier level, practice time with Valley’s EHL team, and taking care of himself off the ice, his game developed. 

“The P was perfect for me getting out of high school,” Beaulieu explained. “Coach McGrath did everything in his power to get me ready for the following year. It was enough to get my foot in the door, but good enough to let me know where I was at and what I needed to improve on.”

Beaulieu’s resume expanded in his second year, playing 21 games for the Warriors. His three wins in his last four games proved crucial in securing a playoff position for his squad. 

“Being consistent and staying confident in the net was the most important thing. The biggest difference [from EHLP to EHL] is that the players think a little better. Plays were quicker and guys were heavier. A lot of my foundation was film and studying.”

Although the process of committing to NEC was a rapid one, occurring over the span of a few days in the late Summer. Beaulieu has not looked back. He describes it as the “best thing that ever happened to him,” and along with his EHL coaches, he credits his goalie coach, Adam Mercer, for helping him prepare for the college game. 

Since joining the Pilgrims, Beaulieu has kept his foot on the gas. A two time New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) Goalie of the Week already, his .931 save percentage has helped the Pilgrims to all seven of their wins thus far. However, even as the level of hockey has changed, his approach has not.

“I try to block out all the extra noise. I want to sit back and enjoy the game. At the end of the day, it’s not going to last forever.”