Ben Gaudreau joins the Clarkson Men's Hockey program for the 2026–27 season, bringing an extensive hockey background that includes five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), two seasons of professional hockey experience, and international success representing Canada at the World Junior Championships.
A native of North Bay, Ontario, Gaudreau spent the 2025–26 season with the Trois-Rivières Lions of the ECHL while under contract with the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL). In 29 games with Trois-Rivières, he posted a 9-13-4 record with a 2.92 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage, and one shutout.
During the 2024–25 season, Gaudreau began his professional career in the Chicago Blackhawks organization, splitting time between the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL and Indy Fuel of the ECHL. He appeared in 43 games with Indy, compiling a 21-16-6 record with a 2.46 goals-against average, a .902 save percentage, and three shutouts. Gaudreau also made five appearances with Rockford, posting a 2-2 record with a 3.19 goals-against average.
Prior to turning professional, Gaudreau enjoyed a successful major junior career with the Sarnia Sting and Erie Otters of the OHL. Originally selected seventh overall by Sarnia in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, he spent parts of four seasons with the Sting before joining Erie during the 2023–24 campaign.
During the 2022–23 season with Sarnia, Gaudreau appeared in 44 regular-season games, recording a 24-12-3 record with a 3.07 goals-against average and .889 save percentage. He helped lead the Sting to the OHL Western Conference Final, appearing in 16 postseason games while posting a 2.52 goals-against average, .902 save percentage, and three shutouts.
Gaudreau completed his major junior career with the Erie Otters in 2023–24, appearing in 34 games and recording a 20-11-2 record with a 3.29 goals-against average and .890 save percentage.
His performances at the junior level earned him recognition from NHL scouts, and he was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the third round, 81st overall, of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Gaudreau also brings an impressive international résumé, having represented Canada at both the IIHF Under-18 World Championship and World Junior Championship. At the 2021 Under-18 World Championship in Texas, he helped Canada capture the gold medal while being named the tournament's Best Goaltender. He appeared in five games, posting a perfect 5-0 record with a 2.20 goals-against average and .919 save percentage.
He returned to international competition at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship in Halifax and Moncton, helping Canada capture another gold medal. Gaudreau appeared in two games during the tournament as Canada claimed its second consecutive World Junior title.
The 6-foot-2, left-catching goaltender brings a combination of major junior experience, professional hockey development, and international championship success to the Golden Knights. His background includes more than 150 OHL regular-season appearances and 80 professional games across the AHL and ECHL.
Gaudreau will wear No. 70 during his freshman season at Clarkson.
