Braeden Begley has been a fixture on the Powassan Voodoos blueline in 2025-26.
Defencemen Marcus Krats and Dylan Rousselle have been getting a lot of attention and winning monthly awards in the Northern Ontario Junior ‘A’ Hockey League. Rousselle was named the NOJHL Rookie of the Month in December, and Defenceman of the Month in February, while Krats received Defenceman of the Month in December.
However, the 6’4, 220-pound right-shot defender has been quietly putting together an impressive rookie campaign of his own. Through 48 games, the talented 2007 birth year blueliner has netted 8 goals along with 35 assists for 43 points.
Going into the final weekend of regular season play, Begley sits in fourth spot in the NOJHL in defenceman scoring, right behind teammates Krats and Rousselle.
“Throughout the first half of my first junior season, I feel my play skyrocketed,” said the Barrie native.
“Coming out of playing AAA for a bunch of years, I feel like I’ve been able to grab another gear and a new sense of confidence, being able to showcase my skills on the ice.”
Begley, who played minor hockey near Barrie with the North Central Predators, took a different route for his last two seasons of minor hockey eligibility. He chose to go down south to play in the U.S., splitting last season between Carshield U18 AAA, based out of St. Louis, and Chaminade College Prep.
“The easiest transition for me was definitely moving away from home,” said Begley.
“I can say the billets here in Powassan are incredible, and that made coming to Powassan a lot easier. The hardest thing for me was adjusting to the style of play here in Powassan, from playing in the States with different rules makes the game a lot different.”
Peter Goulet, Voodoos head coach, had Begley on his radar for a while. He was thrilled to get a call this summer that the big defender was interested in playing his first year of junior ‘A’ with the Voodoos.
“I was so excited when Braeden called me last summer and said, ‘Coach, I’d like to sign with your team.’ I was ecstatic and over the moon. I honestly thought I had no chance of getting this young man to come play for our team.”
Goulet says Begley has more than exceeded his expectations.
“He had a great start to this season, and he just kept it rolling since then,” noted Goulet.
“This has definitely worked out great for Braeden and the Powassan Voodoos. His development has been a steady climb uphill. Our whole organization is excited for Braeden Begley and his future in hockey.”
Begley is equally grateful for his time in Powassan.
“The coaching staff here in Powassan is incredible,” said Begley.
“They made coming to the rink every day exciting, and they make you want to be there. I can say I come to the rink every day with a smile on my face. They are a very approachable coaching staff and always steer you in the right direction. Whether it’s about life or hockey, our coaching staff is always on top of it, making our team feel at home, and I think that’s why we are so successful and close as a group.
“You don’t find that in a lot of coaches, and I’m proud to be a Powassan Voodoo,” he said.
Begley, who attended the Niagara IceDogs main camp in August, is looking forward to a solid playoff run with the Voodoos, as they start the NOJHL playoffs on March 20 or 21 at home.
“My long-term hockey goals are to either make it to a top school on a scholarship or make it to the OHL or ECHL.”
