Keith Aucoin has often gone overlooked in his hockey career, going undrafted after leading Norwich University to the NCAA Division III Championship and being named Division III Player of the Year in successive years.

After earning his business degree from Norwich, Aucoin discovered firsthand that the business of hockey is not always pleasure, as he has had to endure ten stops in eight seasons to skate his way into Capitals’ training camp this year.

“It’s been a long road, but it’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “ Everywhere I’ve been it’s been a learning experience, and I think I’ve gotten better because of that.”

After playing a career-high 38 games with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2007-08, the Massachusetts native inked a two-year deal with the Capitals prior to the 08-09 campaign.  During the first year of the pact, Aucoin spent the majority of his time in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, leading the league in scoring throughout most of the regular season despite four NHL recalls. 

Though he enters this season armed with the security of a one-way deal, Aucoin did not vary from his normal off-season training or thinking. 

“It didn’t change my mindset or anything else. Every off-season I plan on coming in and working hard, and I plan on continuing that this year,” said Aucoin.  “I don’t feel there’s any more pressure than normal on me. They know what I can do.  I just have to go out there and do it, and hopefully, that will turn heads.”

Aucoin continued to pile on the points in the playoffs, including a pair of goals in the finals, the game-winner in game three, and the empty-net series sealer in game five in Manitoba.

“Finally, it’s over,” said Aucoin of his feelings after scoring the empty-net goal. ”It was a stressful couple of weeks, and it was nice to know that it was ending and we had the title. It’s a feeling that I will never forget and was nice to reflect on that feeling over the summer.”

After securing the victory and celebrating the triumph in Hershey with his teammates, Aucoin, who contributed heavily to Alexandre Giroux’s record-breaking season, took time to relish in the conquest in his native state.

“I had a couple of days with it and had a party back home with family and friends. My parents have provided a lot for me in my career, traveling a lot and watching me, so it was especially nice to enjoy the party with them. Last year was the icing on the cake, winning the Calder Cup in Hershey.”