Photo Courtesy: Garrett James

By Ethan Ready

Rookie Asset

Rheaume aims to blaze his own trail through PG following family success in NHL

May 4, 2021 | 6:31 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – In only his first season with the Prince George Spruce Kings, Nick Rheaume was quick to make an impact on his new club after spending last season at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusets.

Through 17 games, the 19-year-old has recorded 14 points down in Chilliwack this season.

“I’m from Quebec, so it was my first time in British Columbia. Seeing all those mountains, was unreal. I know all of the guys are used to it, I’m was not, so it was actually fun for me to see that. The town of PG, I didn’t know much but I got to know that it is a really good town for hockey. I’m looking forward to spending my junior career here.”

Turning 19 on Sunday, the product of Sherbrooke, Quebec says the decision to come to Prince George was a no-brainer.

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“I graduated from Cushing last year, so I was looking forward to playing junior hockey. Obviously, I knew the BCHL was my number one goal and was the best Junior A league in Canada.”

Getting a call from Spruce Kings head coach Alex Evins last Spring, brought an opportunity Rheaume was hoping for.

“I was really happy. I didn’t know a lot about the BCHL specifically, but I was happy to hear Prince George was wanting me there.”

And Rheaume’s family is no stranger to the game and the steps needed to make it in the game. Nick’s dad, Pascal, played 318 games in the NHL, including winning the Stanley Cup as a member with the New Jersey Devils in 2003. His aunt, Manon Rheaume, was the first female to ever play pro hockey when she suited up in two exhibition games for the Tampa Bay Lightning in ’92 and ’93. But now, it’s Nick’s turn to blaze his own trail.

“It’s a process and I’m happy to be here. I think I’m going to be here until I think I’m ready to go to the next level,” said Rheaume. “Sometimes, I think players will try to go too fast, but I just want to be ready.”