Josh and Bradly Nadeau grew up loving the game of hockey. The ultra talented, quiet and humble kids from rural New Brunswick are destine for hockey greatness with the Maine Black Bears and beyond. It’s a special day for the Nadeau’s as Bradly prepares for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Josh and Bradly have a bond that only brothers can possess.
The “Nadeau Show” was in full effect in the last two seasons in the BCHL. With all the attention, with all the notoriety and success, the one constant through it all has been unrelenting intrinsic motivation to be their best, all of the time staying as grounded and humble as ever. Bradly’s ascension into the upper echelon of 2023 NHL draft prospects is rooted with the bond he shares with his brother and the hours they spent honing their amazing skills in the rink on their farm. Over the years, it’s been a pleasure and honour to watch, scout and document their journey in the game. You would be hard pressed to find a more driven, humble and grounded family as the Nadeau’s.
Here’s a look back at Josh’s and Bradly’s amazing path to the BCHL, University of Maine and now the NHL.
Game Changer
November 21, 2018
Hockey players come in all shapes and sizes. Hockey is no longer a big man’s game, or is it? The game may have changed, but for some, size still reigns supreme. Every organization from major junior to the professional ranks are constantly looking for a game changer, a player that can create offense and contribute every time they step on the ice.
Size shouldn’t matter, but often times it does! The game may have changed, but the need for difference makers remains the same. Whether they are 6’4 or 5’4 every scout is in search of a difference maker.
Joshua Nadeau is a game changer, there’s no other way to put it. The St-Francois de Madawaska, New Brunswick product is one of the next generation of skilled players that will be scrutinized or labelled as being just ‘too small’.
At only 5’4, 120 pounds Nadeau is excelling with Fredericton Caps of the NB/PEI Major Midget AAA Hockey League. “There’s a lot of things that make Josh special,” said Fredericton Caps Head Coach Eric Bissonette.
“When you look at a player like Josh, he’s small in stature, but when you’re small you need certain attributes, I believe he possesses them all.”
“Some small players have good mobility and agility, but they aren’t always fast north to south, Josh is extremely fast for a guy his size and he is fast with the puck,” added Bissonette.
The Caps coach speaks very highly of his humble young rookie forward. “Josh has an extremely high compete level, and that is an intangible that size doesn’t matter. He is very coachable and wants to learn on a daily basis,” explained Bissonette.
“Josh’s hockey IQ is off the charts, he can play the ‘big boys’ game and traffic doesn’t slow him down what so ever,” admitted Bissonette.
Nadeau was forced to move away this year at fourteen years old to play with the Caps, a move that New Brunswick Canada Games Asst. Coach Kevin Pottle, believes showcases his character and passion for the game. “It’s never easy to leave home, move away and immerse yourself in another environment,” Pottle said. “Josh’s willingness to do this says it all about his character and desire to play at the best level he can. Too often, we see players who have the physical tools to play at a higher level, but do not have the fortitude to make the move and settle into a new environment,” Pottle explained.
“Josh is quiet and reserved, but very focussed on being the best he can every night while continuing to grow,” added the long time coach.
The soft-spoken fifteen-year-old offensive genius plays a ‘big man’s’ game and let’s his skill, instincts and skating ability do his talking on the ice.
Nadeau definitely caused a buzz at the 38th Annual Monctonian Hockey Challenge this past weekend. Fredericton Caps games were very well attended throughout the tournament with countless Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team’s scouting staff’s wanting to get a look at the ‘Pee Wee” sized winger with dazzling skill.
So the obvious question remains, does Joshua Nadeau have the goods to play at the next level? “As a smaller player Josh has to do things above and beyond to be noticed,” admitted Pottle.
“First of all Josh is a competitor that only wants to play, regardless of score or situation. His desire to compete regardless of the game situation, along with his basic skills allows him to be a very good player,” Pottle added.
Nadeau’s vision, puck skills are outstanding. When he steps on the ice he instantly creates offence while being very accountable in the defensive zone.
Nadeau is a playmaker at heart, but possesses all the tools to be a lethal sniper. In 14 games with the Caps this season Nadeau has lite the lamp 11 times while adding 8 assists for 19 points.
The gifted winger possesses a very heavy accurate and deceptive shot. Nadeau’s release has the ability to freeze and punish goaltenders. However, one of the most intriguing aspects of the diminutive wingers game is his edge control, overall balance and agility.
“Josh brings all that he has to the game, first on pucks, creating turnovers and pressuring D men into mistakes through his work and skating skills which are above average,” said Pottle.
“He’s very quick and agile in small spaces as well,” Pottle explained.
What separates Nadeau from other players at the Midget AAA ranks is his ability to find and exploit the quiet areas of the ice, all attributes that Pottle and Bissonette believe will transcend into the next level.
“The one attribute that is a cut above and really allows him at his size to be successful is his hockey IQ, vision and anticipation,” Pottle said.
“To an extent, this will be even more evident as he moves up to higher levels and plays with better players.”
Nadeau’s overall skill set has certainly caught the attention of QMJHL scouts. “Josh is a highly skilled forward who can generate offence. He also possesses good compete and hockey sense,” said one QMJHL team’s Head Scout.
Nadeau has drawn some comparisons to recently drafted Saint John Sea Dogs forward Brady Burns. Nonetheless, Nadeau’s style also draws instant comparisons to one elusive scoring sensation from Boston, Massachusetts, QMJHL standout and current Arizona Coyotes Prospect Conor Garland.
Garland’s ability to spot the open man coupled with his tremendous puck skills vaulted the Moncton Wildcats into the ‘Q’ semi-finals two straight seasons. Nadeau’s ability to read and anticipate the play mirrors that of Garland.
Pottle compares the elusive winger to two very skilled Moncton Wildcats as well. “The first player(s) that comes to mind with the same challenges and attributes is Mika Cyr followed by Matt Eagles,” admitted Pottle.
“Both Mika and Matt love to play and compete. They are and were driven by this intense desire to challenge themselves and bring (and brought) the same attributes beyond their compete level.”
“They were both outstanding skaters, great puck handlers and possessed great vision,” Pottle said.
Nadeau’s compete level and willingness to engage physically is also noteworthy given his frame. The small highly skilled winger from the North Western New Brunswick plays the game fearless.
Nadeau’s skills were on full display during Friday nights QMJHL Top Prospects Game at the Monctonian Challenge. The dynamic winger put on a performance and showcased all the attributes mentioned by both Bissonette and Pottle.
Nadeau scored a beautiful goal in the game beating the goaltender high to the glove side from a challenging angle, all the while giving up several inches and fifty to eighty pounds on every competitor.
It’s clear some scouts look beyond the stature of a player when evaluating and projecting. One shouldn’t be surprised to hear Nadeau’s name called in June’s QMJHL Draft earlier than anticipated.
Some may consider drafting Nadeau as a long shot given his stature, but not his skill, either way Joshua Nadeau is a game changer.
Yours in hockey, Craig
IS JOSH NADEAU THE NEXT CONOR GARLAND?
November 9, 2019 Craig Eagles @Eags37 InFocus with Craig Eagles Leave a comment
Is Josh Nadeau the next Conor Garland? Just put it this way the Acadie Bathurst Titan sure hope so!
Let’s be brutally honest. Comparing Josh Nadeau to Conor Garland is just not fair, it’s flat out wrong. Nevertheless, Nadeau has done things at the Midget level over the past few years that definitely reminds many of the Arizona Coyotes forward and Former Moncton Wildcats star.
Joshua Nadeau is a game changer and he could very well become the steal of the 2019 QMJHL Entry Draft.
You see Joshua Nadeau is the Titan’s future secret weapon. Some people may not even know who he is, but if you have ever seen this kid play you will leave the rink that night never forgetting his name.
It might take a year or two, but in my opinion Josh Nadeau will be a star in the Q and massive piece to the Titan organization moving forward.
Will he be on the same level as Conor Garland?
That’s a really tough act to follow, but there’s no question he can be an over a point a game player at the next level. Nadeau’s individual skill and the way he thinks and processes the game is as exceptional as Conor Garland. The pride of St-Francois de Madawaska, New Brunswick was the Titan’s first pick in the 5th round 73rd overall in last years QMJHL Entry Draft.
It was just a matter of time before a team selected the shy quiet highly skilled offensively gifted forward.
It’s clear the Titan were targeting Nadeau from the get go.
It was evident some teams didn’t want to take a flyer on Nadeau given his size, but there’s no doubt he was one of the most skilled and smartest player in the 2019 draft and he’s one of the most intelligent player I’ve ever seen play the game.
That’s really high praise, but that’s just the reality.
Nadeau is another excellent example of the new generation of skilled players that will be scrutinized or labelled as just ‘too small’ probably for the rest of his career.
The Fredericton Caps forward is off to an amazing start to the 2019-2020 NB/PEI Major Midget AAA Hockey League season. In 14 games this season Nadeau has 14 goals and 14 assists for 28 points. The ultra talented play maker and sniper played his entire rookie campaign and represented New Brunswick at the the Canada Games at only 5’4, 120 pounds.
I realize that’s small, really small, but Nadeau’s zest for the game and skill are really larger than life.
The kid from Northwestern New Brunswick just simply dominated a season ago and you could almost guarantee every team’s game plan specifically was to take his time and space away and to play him physically. Nevertheless, the crafty skilled forward just continued to find a way to put points on the board.
“There’s a lot of things that make Josh special,” said Fredericton Caps Head Coach Eric Bissonette last year during Nadeau’s Draft year.
“When you look at a player like Josh, he’s small in stature, but when you’re small you need certain attributes, I believe he possesses them all.”
“Some small players have good mobility and agility, but they aren’t always fast north to south, Josh is extremely fast for a guy his size and he is fast with the puck,” added Bissonette.
“Josh has an extremely high compete level, and that is an intangible that size doesn’t matter. He is very coachable and wants to learn on a daily basis,” explained Bissonette.
“Josh’s hockey IQ is off the charts, he can play the ‘big boys’ game and traffic doesn’t slow him down what so ever,” admitted Bissonette.
Nadeau caused a buzz at last year’s Monctonian Hockey Challenge reassuring that size doesn’t matter. Caps games were very well attended throughout the tournament with countless Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team’s scouting staff’s wanting to get a look at the ‘Pee Wee” sized winger with dazzling skill. In 32 games last season Nadeau had 21 goals and 19 assists.
So the obvious question remains, does Joshua Nadeau have the goods to play at the next level?
There’s no question he does, however a few factors have to exist for him to excel and be a star at the Q level.
Nadeau has to be surrounded by one heavy gritty forward and a pure goal scorer and obviously he has to get stronger and put on some muscle in order to handle the grind.
Josh Nadeau isn’t a bottom six guy, so the Titan will have to play him within their Top 6. Ultimately time will tell and there’s no question the Titan are not going to rush their offensive secret weapon.
Obviously, it’s going to be a grind for him to stay healthy and avoid injury if he remains at the same weight, but it does appear that he put on some weight this season.
At every level throughout his career Nadeau has elevated his game and excelled, which undoubtedly is a mark of a truly gifted athlete.
Nadeau’s vision, puck skills are outstanding. When he steps on the ice he instantly creates offence while being very accountable in the defensive zone.
Nadeau is a playmaker at heart, but possesses all the tools to be a lethal sniper.
The gifted winger possesses a very heavy accurate and deceptive shot. Nadeau’s release has the ability to freeze and punish goaltenders. However, one of the most intriguing aspects of the diminutive wingers game is his edge control, overall balance and agility.
“Josh brings all that he has to the game, first on pucks, creating turnovers and pressuring D men into mistakes through his work and skating skills which are above average,” said longtime coach and 2019 Canada Games Assistant Coach Kevin Pottle.
“He’s very quick and agile in small spaces as well,” Pottle explained.
The game may have changed, but the need for difference makers remains the same. Whether they are 6’4 or 5’4 every organization is in search of a difference maker and it would appear the Titan have found theirs. Oh by the way Nadeau had 6 points (2 goals and 4 assists) in 7 games at the best on best Tournament last year. So what separates Nadeau from other players at the Midget AAA ranks is his ability to find and exploit the quiet areas of the ice, all attributes that Pottle and Bissonette believe will transcend into the next level.
“The one attribute that is a cut above and really allows him at his size to be successful is his hockey IQ, vision and anticipation,” Pottle said who is currently the Asst Coach is the Fredericton Red Wings of the MHL.
Conor Garland’s ability to spot the open man coupled with his tremendous puck skills vaulted the Moncton Wildcats into the ‘Q’ semi-finals two straight seasons. Nadeau’s ability to read and anticipate the play definitely mirrors that of Garland.
Nadeau’s compete level and willingness to engage physically is also noteworthy given his size.
Nadeau’s skills were on full display during last year’s QMJHL Top Prospects Game at the Monctonian Challenge. The dynamic winger put on a performance and showcased the range of his talents.
Nadeau scored a beautiful goal in the game beating the goaltender high to the glove side from a challenging angle, all the while giving up several inches and fifty to eighty pounds on every competitor.
It’s clear some organizations look beyond the stature of a player when evaluating and projecting.
Some may have considered drafting Nadeau as a long shot given his stature, but not his skill, either way Joshua Nadeau is a game changer and the Acadie-Bathurst Titan’s not so secret weapon anymore!
NADEAU DESERVES A LONG LOOK
November 20, 2020 Craig Eagles @Eags37 InFocus with Craig Eagles
As many predicted Josh Nadeau is tearing up the Maritime Hockey League. The St-Francois de Madawaska, New Brunswick product is arguably the circuits brightest star. The ultra talented play maker is adding sniper to his already amazing offensive arsenal. Sure he’s always scored goals, but this is different.
The quiet 17 year old scoring sensation has scored 4 goals and 8 assists in the Edmundston Blizzards first 5 games. Unfortunately there might be some critics questioning Nadeau’s decision to play in the MHL. The MHL is a tremendously underrated league and perhaps the same can be said about the talent within it, especially when it comes to Josh Nadeau.
Nevertheless, there are always critics out there. You can talk about the league, the competition and the quality of players within it all day long until your blue in the face, but that doesn’t discredit what Josh Nadeau is doing. Nadeau deserves a long look from NHL scouts and they will certainly get because his NHL Draft year is in 2022.
Sure this kid has faced criticism about his size and strength throughout his entire career, but he continues to be “chamaeleon like” in every way when it comes to producing at each level. Josh Nadeau is on a different planet when it comes to processing the game of hockey.
Obviously, there’s a potential plan in place for Nadeau to explore the US College route, which is undoubtedly a massive loss for the Acadia-Bathurst Titan.
However, it’s really unfortunate that along the way Nadeau has faced the same old criticism time and time again. “Too small, not strong enough, or not quick enough.” Perhaps some NHL scouts may share that opinion, but they should still go watch the kid play. He does things on the ice that leave you questioning the impossible.
Game in, game out the little quiet unassuming kid from rural New Brunswick continues to amaze.
You see Nadeau doesn’t want to make a name for himself, he just wants to play.
The modest shy kid who had to travel hours upon hours over the years just to go practice and move away from home at a young age just simply wants to play.
Nadeau is a throwback player, he plays for the love of the game not all of the attention and accolades.
Goals and points don’t matter to him, it’s all about team success, it’s all about the W.
Under the quiet exterior lurks a competitive intrinsic drive and fire that burns brighter than most, which goes unnoticed to the casual onlooker.
The diminutive elite level scorer is the still arguably one of the smartest players I have ever seen play the game.
His wizardry with the puck and ability to play and excel in high traffic areas will definitely translate to the next level.
Watching Josh Nadeau play the game reminds me of scene in Clint Eastwood’s masterpiece “Trouble With the Curve”
Eastwood’s daughter in the film “Mickey” played by Amy Adams discovers Rigoberto, “a lefty fireballer with incredible speed and velocity.”
“I’ve seen him, I swear to you, he’s the real thing,” she told the Atlanta Braves Head Scout near the end of the film.
You see that’s exactly how I feel about Josh Nadeau.
“He’s the real thing.”
Will he play QMJHL hockey? Will he play College hockey? Will he get drafted into the NHL? Will he ever play pro hockey?
Time will certainly tell and we will all have to wait and see, but he’s the real thing and he deserves a long long look from NHL scouts.
Don’t believe me, buy a ticket and go watch, you won’t be disappointed, if anything you will be amazed!
JOSH NADEAU IS HEADING TO ORONO
December 3, 2020 Craig Eagles @Eags37 InFocus with Craig Eagles
Josh Nadeau is a Black Bear.
The diminutive scoring sensation has committed to the University of Maine. Speculation grew late in August that Nadeau and his family had chosen to take the college route when his name was left off the Acadie-Bathurst Titan’s 42-man Training Camp roster.
Nadeau signed on to play with the Edmundston Blizzard of the Maritime Hockey League a few days later. The 17-year-old quiet soft-spoken playing making wizard is off to an amazing start and is currently leading the Maritime Jr A circuit in scoring with 20 points in only 8 games.
“I’m really happy to be part of the Blizzard, their support system has been really good,” said Nadeau.
“My teammates and the coaching staff have all been great, I love working with them all.”
“They have all helped me with many aspects. The environment is really good and I always look forward to go to the rink,” said Nadeau who played his Midget AAA hockey with the Fredericton Caps organization.
“Being close to home makes it easier to be on the ice and in the gym. I love having my family and friends coming to support me,” Nadeau said proudly.
“Josh is very deserving of this commitment,” said Blizzard Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Emery Olauson.
“Josh is a rare athlete. I believe he has NHL potential,” stressed Olauson. “It’s going to be very exciting to see what’s going to happen over the next four or five years with Josh.”
It’s unclear when he will report to Maine, but there’s no question Nadeau is destined for stardom at that level. “Josh’s mind is what makes him special,” explained Olauson.
“There’s two things that are impossible to miss when you watch Josh. One is his size, which you will probably notice in warm-up and second one is just how much advanced he is hockey sense wise,” Olauson said.
The long-time coach and hockey lifer is quick to credit Nadeau’s dedication to the game as well. “Josh is really driven. The kid is in the weight room four to five times a week.”
“He is always asking for additional programs.”
“Josh is a quiet kid off the ice, but he saves all of his personal expression for the surface. It’s impossible not to notice him every shift,” Olauson said.
Josh Nadeau’s younger brother Bradley is currently playing for the Fredericton Caps U18 Major team and plays a very similar style to that of his brother. Bradley Nadeau is on his own path within the game, but it’s extraordinary to watch just how similar the Nadeau brother’s think and process the game.
Passion for the game runs deep in the Nadeau family, you could say the game of hockey is way of life. Manon Oakes and John Nadeau are classic hockey parents. They did it the right way when it comes to raising young men and fantastic hockey players.
It’s clear to see they promoted hard work, dedication, passion and playing the game the right way rather than promoting individual success.
The Nadeau brothers like so many other young Maritimer’s honed their skills in the elements. Frozen hands and feet never derailed their passion and love for the game, if anything it fueled their desire to reach new levels within the game.
The Nadeau family’s outdoor rink became their field of dreams. Those hockey dreams are alive and well for both brothers.
The Black Bears are arguably getting one of the smartest players to ever lace them up from this province. Nadeau’s hockey sense, vision and play making abilities are truly remarkable. In fact, they are in a league of their own. “To play the game he does Josh sees the game above instead from his own set of eyes,” said Olauson.
“There’s not one team we play in our league that doesn’t try to put Josh under pressure and try to take advantage of his smaller stature,” stressed Olauson.
“He knows all five options all the time and quite amazingly always makes the right play. It’s really amazing how many times he makes the right play under pressure.”
Josh Nadeau is a special person and player who possesses a very unique skill set which is only going to keep getting better and better with time. The NCAA route isn’t for everyone, but there’s no question it’s probably the best route for Nadeau to take given his current size and stature.
At only 5’7 153 pounds the extra few seasons of playing junior hockey will give the lethal offensive threat time to grow and mature physically. One could speculate that Nadeau could possibly play in the MHL or USHL until he was nineteen years old and jump right into the lineup and produce.
This is the second NCAA Division I commitment the Edmundston Blizzard have had in the last two seasons with Chrystopher Collin signing on with Bowling Green.
Josh Nadeau is becoming a household name around the hockey world as is the entire Maritime Hockey League. The league is extremely underrated and is getting better by the second with players of Nadeau’s caliber calling the league home. There’s no question the MHL should and could become a pipeline for NCAA schools up and down the eastern seaboard.
In a few short years everyone will know who Josh Nadeau is especially the Black Bear faithful at the old Alfond Arena. “Playing NCAA hockey is something that I was dreaming about my whole life,” confessed Nadeau.
“Committing to the Black Bears is really a dream come true. Maine is a really good organization and the fact that it’s not too far from home makes it way better.”
“I’m really excited to get started,” Nadeau said proudly.
Josh Nadeau is Orono bound.
NADEAU 2.0
December 13, 2020 Craig Eagles @Eags37 InFocus with Craig Eagles
The Fredericton Caps Twitter Person has definitely had some fun over the past few seasons live tweeting games calling Josh Nadeau “Houdini.” It seemed like every other tweet had Houdini’s name on it. Actually it’s a fantastic nickname given Nadeau’s prowess, but there’s a new Houdini in town.
Bradly Nadeau or as their Twitter Person says Houdini 2.0
Bradly Nadeau is forging his own path in the game, but watching this kid play is magical as well.
I’m not a tech person and I don’t play video games, but Nadeau 2.0 has similar “cheat codes” as his older brother.
For those that don’t know, this is the definition of a cheat code
Noun. cheat code (plural cheat codes) (video games) A line of text or series of commands which can be used to change a game’s behavior, alter a character’s looks and abilities, skip levels, or access other hidden features.
Bradly Nadeau like his brother has the ability to make things look very easy. His skill set is next level for sure. Nadeau 2.0 is a threat every time he’s on the ice because of his abilities with the puck and away from the puck. You see it’s entrenched in the Nadeau hockey playing DNA to spot the open man, to play the game the right way. There’s no cheat code to the Nadeau’s, it’s their sheer skill and how they process the game that makes it feel at times like they have a massive advantage over their opponents just like a cheat code.
You see Bradly and Josh Nadeau don’t cheat. Sure they may at times fly the zone, but it’s the right play to make because they are two plays ahead.
Magically somehow the puck appears, there’s no magic to it, sure they are Houdini like because they can get out of tight spaces against all odds, but it’s their creativity and drive that makes them so unique. Bradly will and has been undoubtedly compared to his older brother all the way through the ranks. Comparisons are sometimes unfair, but just put it this way Bradly Nadeau can flat out play.
His shot and release is very similar, but I think it’s a little heavier than his brother’s was when he was 15. Bradly Nadeau is stronger on his skates than is brother was at 15 as well. I can tell you one thing right now. Bradly Nadeau is a game breaker just like his brother. His talent, compete level and intensity sets him a part from other players.
You see Nadeau 2.0 is on his own path within the game. Some might say he’s playing in the shadows of brother, but like any newer version they always have their own unique bells and whistles.
In any case it’s been an absolute pleasure to watch Nadeau 1.0 and now Nadeau 2.0 play the game they love. One can only imagine what 1 on 1 games are like when they lace them up on their outdoor/indoor rink at home. Man would the Caps Twitter person and I have a field day watching that!
The sky is the limit for Bradly Nadeau.
AKA Houdini 2.0 AKA Nadeau 2.0
NADEAU BROTHER’S MAKING A NAME FOR THEMSELVES IN THE BCHL
May 20, 2022 Craig Eagles @Eags37 InFocus with Craig Eagles
Everyone in the hockey world around this region are very familiar with the names Josh and Bradley Nadeau. The Nadeau brother’s have been making noise in the hockey world here for many many years. The Nadeau’s took their show on the road and now everyone in the hockey world knows exactly who the two quiet humble hockey playing wizards really are and the impact they can have on the game and team success.
Josh and Bradley Nadeau started playing the game as soon as they could walk. They honed their skills for countless hours an old barn converted to an amazing outdoor rink on their farm in St-Francois-de-Madawaska. Rural New Brunswick was the backdrop to this amazing hockey story featuring two brothers that have been confronted by one of hockey’s double standard all the way throughout their career. The ultra-talented brothers have always took the road less travelled to attain their hockey dreams and aspirations no matter what the critics have repeatedly said about their stature.
Josh and Bradley Nadeau’s story is one of perseverance, persistence and resiliency. Their journey across the hockey world is great reminder to not only trust the process, but to trust your own individualistic instincts when it comes to the game and path within it.
Like many hockey families in the rural parts of the province the Nadeau’s sacrificed countless hours over the years travelling up and down the backroads in unimaginable conditions for the sake of the game and trying to give their sons the opportunity to play the game at the highest level. Both Josh and Bradley moved away from home at 15 years old and were billeted in Fredericton to play Major Midget AAA/U-18 Major with the Fredericton Caps organization.
Josh and Bradley tore the NB/PEI Major U18 AAA Hockey League up in their respective years. The Nadeau family had incredibly difficult decisions to make regarding the direction they would take in the game. Josh was the first to experience the QMJHL entry draft and what that league had to offer. The decision to keep his NCAA eligibility was a tough one at the time. On December 3, 2020, the diminutive scoring sensation committed to the University of Maine. Speculation grew late that August when Nadeau and his family had chosen to take the college route when his name was left off the Acadie-Bathurst Titan’s 42-man Training Camp roster. Nadeau signed on to play with the Edmundston Blizzard of the Maritime Hockey League a few days later. After an amazing debut season in the MHL, the Nadeau’s had another difficult decision to make. By that time, it was Bradley’s turn to experience the QMJHL draft. He also excelled in the NB/PEI league as a 15. The Rimouski Oceanic selected Bradley in the 7th round 115th overall in the 2021 entry draft. The QMJHL CSR had Bradley Nadeau ranked very high that year, but word was out that he would be taking the NCAA route as well. The Blizzard also used one of their two territorial draft selections on Bradley in hopes of having both Nadeau’s in their lineup the following season.
The decision to leave home and go west to the BCHL and apply their craft out west wasn’t expected by the hockey world in this region. Some would argue that it was a massive leap of faith, with so much uncertainty surrounding the league and Bradley going to play for the Penticton Vees of BCHL as a 16-year-old. Ultimately, the family and the boy’s made the right decision for them like they have made throughout their path in the game.
From rural New Brunswick to Penticton, British Columbia, on to Orono, Maine, Josh and Bradley Nadeau continue to make a name for themselves in the game of hockey. What makes their story so special is that fact they have done it on their own terms and they have done it together, just like they did when they first laced them up on their outdoor rink.
In 54 games this year with the Vees Josh scored 40 goals and 32 assists. In 17 playoff games, he amassed 12 goals and 12 assists.
In 49 games this year with the Vees Bradley scored 20 goals and 26 assists. In 17 playoff games, he amassed 11 goals and 13 assists. Josh and Bradley Nadeau helped lead the Vees to a Fred Page Cup Championship this season. The Maine Black Bears are getting two exceptional hockey players, that think the game of hockey like very few ever imagined. More importantly the Maine Black Bears are getting two exceptional people.
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN THE 2022-2023 SEASON: SERIES 1: BRADLY NADEAU
August 23, 2022 Craig Eagles @Eags37 InFocus with Craig Eagles One comment
Some players have dreamed about this opportunity their entire lives.
It’s their moment to shine at the next level or on the biggest stage. Many are more than ready and prepared for this experience.
It’s hard to think Bradly Nadeau could shine any brighter than last season, but the quiet and humble fiercely competitive talented forward for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL will undoubtedly be a player to watch season. Nadeau will handle NHL draft pressure the same way he handled his first foray into the BCHL. Outstanding.
The skilled savvy winger scored 20 goals in 26 assists in 49 games as a 16 year old.
Nadeau is unrelating in his pursuit of his hockey dreams. No matter what level Nadeau has always brought the goods.
Surprisingly, Nadeau was unsuccessful at making Team Canada’s Hlinka-Gretzky Team this summer, which will only motivate even more.
An ultra-motivated Bradly Nadeau will be quite something to behold. This kid turned a lot of heads a season ago with his extraordinary complete two-way style of play. We all know Josh and Bradly are destine to star at the University of Maine, which they will probably do together in the 2023-2024 season.
The sky is the limit for both Nadeau Brother’s, but it’s going to be very intriguing to see how much damage they will inflict on the BCHL in their sophomore season.
Bradly Nadeau is a player to watch entering the 2022-2023 season.
There’s no question he will be on the radar of many NHL teams. He could be the next New Brunswicker to be drafted into the National Hockey League.
ATLANTIC CANADIAN 2023 NHL DRAFT HOPEFULS
June 22, 2023 Craig Eagles @Eags37 InFocus with Craig Eagles
The next wave of Atlantic Canadian talent is ready to embark on a journey to accomplish their dream of playing professional hockey. From the QMJHL, to the BCHL to knocking on the NHL’s door, players from this region continue to excel at junior level.
The dream of playing pro hockey isn’t so farfetched as once imagined for players coming from the Atlantic Canada. An opportunity to play and the dream continues to fuel young players from this region to believe that anything is possible when it comes to the game of hockey. This feature will focus on those from this region currently playing and excelling in the QMJHL and one player that has dominated the BCHL.
It’s also noteworthy to showcase some overage players that might have the opportunity to sign pro contracts. For them the dream of playing pro hockey is still well alive. The unconventional path to the pros or the road less traveled is always the most rewarding. Josh Currie, Jordan Murray, Zack MacEwen Jeremy McKenna, Matthew Highmore, Ross Johnson and Philippe Myers are all perfect examples of Maritimers that have reached the pro level in their unique way.
Nothing seems out of reach for young aspiring Atlantic Canadians given the one characteristic that defines them all. Work ethic.
This year’s crop of NHL Draft Prospects are blazing their own unique path in the game.
Bradly Nadeau RSF Penticton Vees BCHL (Projects to be a mid to late 1st round pick)
What hasn’t been written about the Nadeau Show in the BCHL over the last few years. Some players have dreamed about this opportunity their entire lives. It’s their moment to shine at the next level or on the biggest stage. Many are more than ready and prepared for this experience.
It’s hard to think Bradly Nadeau could shine any brighter than last season, but the quiet and humble fiercely competitive talented forward for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL was undoubtedly a player to watch when the season started. He surpassed any expectations this season putting up monumental numbers for the Vees. As I wrote in August, Nadeau would handle NHL draft pressure the same way he handled his first foray into the BCHL, which was outstanding.
The skilled savvy winger scored 20 goals in 26 assists in 49 games as a 16-year-old. In 17 games in the playoffs, he would add 11 goals and 13 assists.
As a 17-year-old, he scored 45 goals and recorded 68 assists in only 54 games. In 17 playoff games this year, Nadeau scored 17 goals and 18 assists. Nadeau is unrelating in his pursuit of his hockey dreams. No matter what level Nadeau has always brought the goods.
Surprisingly, Nadeau was unsuccessful at making Team Canada’s Hlinka-Gretzky Team last summer, which only motivated even more. As I wrote in August of last year, “an ultra-motivated Bradley Nadeau will be quite something to behold.” There’s no question he dominated the league and vaulted up tons of draft boards.
This kid turned a lot of heads in his two seasons in the BCHL with his extraordinary complete two-way style of play. We all know Josh and Bradly are destine to star at the University of Maine, which they will in the 2023-2024 season.
The sky is the limit for both Nadeau Brother’s, but it’s going to be very intriguing to see how much damage they will inflict at the University of Maine and beyond. It would be great to see the team that selects Bradly also invite Josh to their Dev. Camp and Rookie to see how Josh would fit as well and continue to dominant together.
FDS Sports Blog 
Thanks for believing in them ❤️ Love your writing as always!!
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