By: Brendan Price

Goaltender Charles-Anthony Barbeau originally joined the organization as a third goaltender for the playoff run in the 2020-21 season, even getting a start in the playoff round robin. Since then, the St-Remi, Quebec product has felt comfortable in NoCo; which was key in his decision to return to the organization.

“It’s a really good organization where I always felt comfortable and trusted. I feel like the team reflects my values,” explained Barbeau.

Sometimes, that comfort can lead to complacency. In the 2021-22 season opener vs. Ogden, Barbeau was pulled after surrendering seven goals and Head Coach/General Manager Steve Haddon felt like the moment was a turning point for the netminder.

"I know Barbs didn't have the start he wanted at the beginning of last season. I feel that only woke him up to get on track,” said Haddon.

“I always tell our players sometimes you need to go through adversity to have success down the road and that's exactly what happened. That was all the fuel Barbs needed to have one of his best seasons in hockey," he stated.

From there, it was season-long dominance for Barbeau. He finished with a 20-9-1 record, 2.38 GAA, 3 shutouts, and a .921 save percentage. The 5’10, 177-lb Barbeau finished second in the USPHL Premier in wins, second in shootout wins, third in games played, and tied for third in shutouts. 

Down the stretch, he was particularly stingy. To close the regular season, he went 9-1-0 with an eye-popping 1.84 GAA and a .939 save percentage along with three overtime wins. In the team’s playoff opener and triple overtime thriller in Ogden, Barbeau stopped 53 of 56 shots. After such a dominating conclusion, Barbeau has his sights set even higher for this season.

“Personally, I want to be one of the top goalies in the league and reach the next level. I, at least, want to win the Mountain Division,” stated Barbeau.

The combination of being a third-year veteran and a 20-year old is something Haddon believes will be key for next season’s team.

"Being a goalie is one of the hardest and most important jobs in hockey [and] Barbs will give us a chance to win every night. With his experience and leadership skills he will be able to help and mentor our new players joining the organization," he explained.

Barbeau has experienced two playoff runs with the organization, going further each time but still falling short of Nationals. His mission this year is simple.

“We have unfinished business from last year. I’m so grateful to play my 20-year old season in Northern Colorado, [and] I’m looking forward to [winning] the Mountain Division. That’s my biggest goal this year,” he concluded.

Entering their 10th season of existence, the Eagles have graduated over 100 players to college commitments in the United States (NCAA) and Canada (U-Sports), as well as professional contracts abroad. Eagles’ alumni dot the hockey landscape; playing in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), Poland and Sweden.

If you are a player that is interested in joining the Eagles organization for the upcoming 2022-2023 season, please email Coach Haddon at haddon@northerncoloradoeagles.com.