Corpus Christi, Texas – When it comes to first impressions, Bo Diddley said it best, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
IceRays fans may not know that the book is a music book and may not know that they have a musician in town, but they can definitely see a rhapsody on ice.
With a keyboard and hockey stick, IceRays forward Mathieu Bourgault has made an impression with his piano and ice skills.
Despite not knowing how to read music, Bourgault has become a skillful pianist and an even greater leader on the ice.
He first began to tickle the ivories in 2019. His avid learning is reflected in his piano playing and his willingness to learn on the ice.
Piano playing, like skating, requires dedication and a strong work ethic and Bourgault is dedicated to both.
His other not-so-hidden talent is playing hockey, which he spends many hours perfecting his craft.
“Bourgault came in with the right attitude and work ethic and committed to RPI,” IceRays head coach Sylvain Cloutier said. “He came in to play for us and trusting us to help him get ready for next season. He’s a leader in our room just by watching the way he competes in games.”
Bourgault’s passion is scoring goals and something he wants to do every time he touches the puck.
But his strength is being able to adapt his skills when he doesn’t score.
In his first season with the IceRays, Bourgault is second with three goals and 14 assists for 17 points.
His third goal came against the Oklahoma Warriors on November 18, a mere 15 games from his previous goal against the El Paso Rhinos in the home opener on September 16.
In the meantime, Bourgault has collected 12 assists.
“I just feel like it’s going out there and just doing your job, whether it’s an assist or goal,” Bourgault said. “It’s a team sport and when I’m on the ice, when I do my job, I can focus on the next shift and get ready to do my job. I think consistency is one of the toughest aspects of playing hockey. You got to be there every game and show up every game, and I think we’re doing all the little details. That’s how you get rewarded.”
Cloutier expanded on what Bourgault brings to the table.
“He hadn’t scored a goal in almost two months and had the positive attitude and kept working hard and kept fighting through everything, so that was nice to see, and he brings a lot to our team with character and leadership.”
The future reward for Bourgault in his life journey will be playing at Rensselaer Poly Institute (RPI) next season.
“I’m really grateful to have this opportunity to play Division 1 Hockey, and even more so, playing at RPI,” Bourgault said. “It’s a great school with great hockey with two National Championships, so I’m really looking forward to my time there.”
Bourgault came to Corpus Christi after playing for four seasons with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL, not far from his hometown of St, Bruno de Montarville, Quebec, Canada.
After suffering an injury and only collecting an assist in 13 regular-season games, Bourgault scored two goals and collected three assists in 14 playoff games.
“I think my favorite moment was last year when I scored the game-winning playoff goal to advance to the Conference Finals as it was the first time our team had been there in 12 years,” Bourgault said. “At home in Salmon Arm, it was definitely the best moment of my career.”
Growing up in St. Bruno, a mere 20 minutes from Montreal, Bourgault became a Montreal Canadiens fan which drove his love for the game.
As far as playing the piano is concerned, his love for music and family led to his passion.
“Four years ago, my brother was playing, and my parents bought a real piano for us and I kind of got the touch for it, and I really like music,” Bourgault said. “I think it’s fun so I just go to YouTube, listen to songs, watch the little tutorials there and then learn the songs. I can’t read music, but I just enjoy playing.”
He also enjoys playing hockey and makes sure it’s not just about him.
“I’m a team player first, and all I want to do is win,” Bourgault said. “Nothing upsets me more than losing, so I think you know when I’m out there Whatever I have to do to help this team win, that’s the guy that I am.”
In the meantime, his time in Corpus Christi with the IceRays is something he is enjoying.
“It’s been awesome. I’ve been just enjoying my role on the team, and enjoying all the guys and the coaching staff here,” Bourgault said. “Obviously, the city is really nice and the beautiful weather we have. “Our fans are really good, and it’s fun to play in front of three to four thousand people every game. So it’s been awesome so far.”
What would make it even more awesome would be for the team to move its way up the standings and make a playoff push.
“It all starts with consistency and getting everyone going right off the bat playing a full 60 minutes,” Bourgault said. “I think a main factor for us to get going is we all have to be together and act together and play like a team.”
The IceRays will play a weekend series at the Colorado Grit Friday and Saturday at the Greeley Ice Haus in Greeley, Colorado.
Friday’s game is at 8:15 p.m. CST and Saturday afternoon’s contest is at 4:45 CST.
You can watch the games on NAHLTV.com and can also catch them on Brewster Street Radio.
For more info on the IceRays visit goicerays.com.
