Voodoos sign versatile defenceman

The Powassan Voodoos added a highly coveted big defender from a U.S. prep school, the club announced on Friday.

 Braeden Begley, is a 6’4”, 220 pound 2007 birth year defenceman who split last season between CarShield 18U AAA and Chaminade College Prep in Missouri.  

 In 82 games last season he had 8 goals and 27 assists totalling 35 points. 

 Peter Goulet, Voodoos coach, was thrilled that he was able to convince the defender who will attend Niagara IceDogs camp, to sign in Powassan.

 “We are very excited to add Braeden Begley to our roster,” said Goulet who tried to recruit Begley to the Voodoos last summer. 

 “I honestly thought we had lost out on him as many teams have been pursuing him this summer when I got the text message from Braeden Wednesday afternoon, I was so excited, I got a hold of Braeden and told him that I was on my way to meet with him and his dad again.” 

 Begley felt going to Powassan is the right choice for him. 

 “I honestly really love that coach Peter is very upfront and honest guy and made my decision very easy to choose Powassan and his ability to believe in players and get them on the next level is something I was very interested in,” said Begley, who grew in the Barrie area. 

 Goulet believes Begley will be a key addition to the Voodoos back end this fall. 

 Braeden is the full package, he is a big right shot Dman, he plays with an edge and defends well,” said Goulet.

 “He has solid offensive instincts, he makes a good first pass and has a great shot.” 

 Voodoos training camp begins on Wednesday, August 20 as the team holds its annual golf tournament at Highview Golf Course in Powassan. 

Photo: Braeden Begley in action with Carshield 18U AAA last season.