Goulet a Hawk at heart
Thorold has become Chris Goulet’s adopted hometown.
The 25-year-old St. Catharines native still lives in his place of birth, but is quick to tell anyone how much he appreciates Thorold.
“I love being here. I’m from St. Catharines but I’ll tell anyone I’m from Thorold,” Goulet smiled. “I tell everyone Thorold is the best place in southern Ontario. It’s small and people really care here.”
Goulet’s appreciation of Thorold comes from his two years spent playing for the Thorold Blackhawks. The speedy winger played for a variety of teams and leagues from Ottawa to British Columbia, but his heart has always remained in Thorold.
“I really enjoyed playing here,” said Goulet, who is his second season as an assistant coach/assistant general manager with the Blackhawks. “I think this place is a little bit different from other places but Thorold is a little bit different from other teams in the area because it’s so community orientated.
“The community really cares and that really stuck out to me.”
Goulet’s two seasons in Thorold were marked with radical ups and downs as owners Dave Marrone and Rocky Venditti sold the team after his first season.
He joined the Hawks with head coach/owner Scott Barnes after a season together in Pelham.
“I get it. We don’t have all the money in the world and a top of the line dressing room and arena, but it’s all good enough,” he said. “I think what works for us is that we really care.
“I see how much the community cared when I played here.”
Barnes hired Goulet in Pelham on the recommendation of a friend and the two quickly became friends.
“I didn’t know him one bit but he came out and he’s been really good ever since,” Barnes said. “I can’t say enough good things. He’s here every day and he’s really dedicated. This is what he wants to do.”
Goulet, who is taking business courses at Niagara College and also does some welding and carpentry work as well, is happy to help any way he can.
“I’m not getting rich, but it’s nice to make a buck coming here and helping out and doing something you enjoy,” he said.
He helps Barnes on the business side of the operation, and is also a vital assistant on the ice during practice.
“My main motivation when I started coaching was to be someone I didn’t have growing up,” he said. “I can see where some coaches went wrong or right and use what they did right and correct what they did wrong to help these kids and maybe they can benefit from my experience.”
Barnes appreciates Goulet’s enthusiasm, thoroughness and loyalty to the organization.
“He’s played here,” Barnes said. “He has a pride thing that he wants to get this organization back to where it was back in the day. It’s neat having a guy who was here before and he’ll let the guys know it’s a honour to play for this team.”
Barnes said Goulet also acts as a conduit between the coaching staff and the team.
“He’s a young guy who can relate to our younger guys. He’s kind of that go-to, in between guy who is closer to their age and makes sure things are good with guys if they don’t feel comfortable coming to us with issues.”
The Blackhawks and visiting Lockport Regals played to a 3-3 tie Thursday at Thorold Arena.
Devon Thibodeau had a pair for the Hawks while Brendan Charlton added one.
Alex Stinis had two goals and Anthony Trigilio one for the Regals.
The Blackhawks, 5-8-1, are at St. Catharines Friday and home to Welland next Thursday.
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