WORCESTER, MA — With a three year climb through the Eastern Hockey League ranks to the NCAA level, there are few better examples of “trusting the process” than Max Beaulac.
Now in his second year with the Post University Eagles, Beaulac is well-into his college hockey journey. A goal he set out to achieve years ago, he began his juniors career in the 2021-2022 season. After a strong high school career in Massachusetts, he selected the Worcester Railers Junior Hockey Club in the EHLP.
“I knew I wanted to play juniors in a league that emphasized development and structure,” Beaulac said. “The EHLP felt like a great fit because it allowed me to adjust to the junior pace, physicality, and lifestyle while still being in a competitive environment. I felt it was the best place for me to grow my game and earn opportunities, along with the reputation of moving guys onto college hockey.”
Beaulac registered eight goals and eight assists his first year in the EHLP. Taking on a bigger role in his sophomore season, he saw those totals rise to over 30 points in 38 games, five postseason goals, and an All Star nod.
While in the EHLP, Beaulac focused on the day-to-day, and not rushing the process. Knowing the challenges and being prepared for it helped him focus on where he was, rather than where he “‘should’ be.”
“My time in the EHLP was huge for my development. It really helped me learn how to play the game the right way, being consistent, responsible, and detailed. I think the biggest improvements in my game were my hockey IQ, defensive play, and overall confidence with the puck. The league forced me to slow the game down and make better decisions.”
His progression earned him six EHL games during his second year. He scored his first EHL goal against the Seahawks Hockey Club before he even got a full-time call up.
“Getting EHL games during my second year in the P was a big confidence boost,” Beaulac recalled. “Scoring my first EHL goal showed me that I could contribute at that level. It helped me understand the pace, physicality, and detail required in the EHL. After that experience, I felt a lot more prepared and motivated to earn a full-time EHL role.”
En route to the Railers’ 2023-2024 EHL Championship victory, Beaulac tallied thirteen points in 34 games and added two goals in their postseason run. He was the only EHLP call-up of five to remain on the Railers’ EHL team in the playoffs.
“The jump to being a full-time EHL player was definitely challenging. Everything was faster, decision-making, physical play, and consistency night in and night out. I remember one of the biggest challenges was learning to be effective even when I wasn’t producing offensively. Having familiarity with the organization, trusting the coaching staff, and sticking to my habits really helped me adjust.”
Despite the commitment process feeling “stressful” at times, Beaulac kept focus on his play and remained patient. Feeling a sense of trust and confidence in the coaching staff at Post, he pulled the lever and made his commitment. He scored a pair of goals in his freshman season.
With a mindset founded upon trust, patience, and hard work, Beaulac shows there’s no one way to climb the EHL’s ladder of development.
