The LaSalle Vipers have hired Matt Beaudoin to be the team’s Head Coach.
Beaudoin, 29, is a LaSalle native who played four seasons with the Vipers from 2008-2012. He was a member of the Vipers Sutherland Cup championship team in 2010 and then captained the team in the 2011-12 season. “I am thrilled to be back behind the bench in LaSalle. I grew up playing in the LaSalle Minor Hockey Association and then played for the Vipers, so it kind of feels like you’re coming back home,” Beaudoin said.
Previous head coach John Nelson, who had been behind the bench for the Vipers the past three seasons, will remain as the team’s General Manager. Nelson has a long history with Beaudoin which included coaching him as a player and then coaching alongside him. “He’s a leader. He’s the hardest-working person you will meet and absolutely the right person to continue the winning culture in LaSalle,” Nelson said. “I’ve been able to watch him grow as a person, player and coach. The biggest area where Matt excelled off the ice was that he cared about his teammates tremendously. The LaSalle Vipers look forward to having him as our Head Coach beginning in the 2021-22 season.”
A hard-working forward, Beaudoin was the recipient of the team’s Hardest Working Player Award in each of his four seasons before moving on to University where he played with the Windsor Lancers. He helped the Lancers to the OUA Queen’s Cup in 2013 and then was an assistant captain in his final season in 2014-15.
“I’m hearing amazing things about the group of players that are in LaSalle and I can’t wait to start working with them and have some fun. I’m stepping into an environment where everyone involved is highly motivated.”
Following his playing career, Beaudoin returned to the Vipers organization in 2016 where he spent three years as an assistant coach. “The Vipers have been such a big part of my life and have done so much for me. I’m really excited about the opportunity to give back to the team and the community.”
Beaudoin will be joined behind the bench by returning assistant coaches Chad Shepley and Nathan Savage for the 2021-22 season.
