Tardif Excited, Fortunate to be a Member of the Colorado Eagles
Jun 23, 2021
By Ryan Loberger
While the past year has been a burden for many, the newest member of the Colorado Eagles is coming off the best season of his young career. Forward Benjamin Tardif spent this past season wrapping up his final year of major junior hockey as a member of the Victoriaville Tigres, claiming a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Championship and playoff MVP honors in the process.
A five-year player in the Quebec League, Tardif totaled 177 points, 72 goals, and 105 assists in 268 career games, reaching the pinnacle in his final season, recording 22 points in 19 playoff games. Tardif also captured the QMJHL championship alongside winger Alex Beaucage, the Colorado Avalanche's third-round pick from the 2019 draft.
A tenacious, skilled forward, Tardif is excited to bring his game to Loveland as a member of the Eagles and continue to develop his game in an organization that wants him.
“I was really excited when I got the offer,” Tardif said. “And what helped me make this decision was I felt like people wanted me to be here.”
Aside from Beaucage, Tardif hasn’t had any interaction with players from within the organization but is still very happy to be an Eagle and looking forward to getting to know his teammates in the future.
Tardif was passed over by NHL teams in his draft year, however, that hasn’t stopped the forward from making the jump to the professional level. Now stepping into an organization that expects success, Tardif is excited to continue to develop his game and help the team win.
“I just want to help the team as best as I can and play as many games as I can, that’s my main goal,” Tardif said.
Moving just over 1,800 miles from the Quebec Province to Colorado is no small task, but Tardif is excited to join his new team and is looking forward to taking in everything his new home has to offer away from the rink as well.
“I’ve never been there, but it looks nice,” Tardif said. “In Quebec there are mountains, but it’s not the same thing. I just started playing golf more, and it looks like there's some nice golf (courses) there too.”
