From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Blackhawks enforcer Dillon Boucher's NHL journey
Dillon Boucher, 29, joins Blackhawks after improbable path: 'I thought about quitting'.
In brief
Dillon Boucher, 29, joins Blackhawks after improbable path: 'I thought about quitting'. Dillon Boucher, a 29-year-old forward who played college hockey and minor leagues, made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks after nearly a decade of playing in lower-tier hockey, replacing Patrick Kane in a physical style that…
Dillon Boucher's NHL debut
Dillon Boucher, 29, made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks after an improbable path through college and minor leagues.
Boucher's journey to NHL
Boucher played two seasons of Canadian major junior hockey, one season of Canadian junior A hockey, four seasons of college hockey, and two seasons in the ECHL before joining the AHL.
Boucher's college struggle
Boucher considered quitting college hockey after three years due to suspensions and lack of enjoyment.
“I was playing in a league...[where] I kept getting suspended for hitting guys. I just wasn’t really having fun, and I thought about quitting.”
Boucher's decision to try pro
Boucher agreed to play 10 games in the pros after a friend suggested trying professional hockey.
Boucher's physical style
Boucher earned a reputation for physical play with 338 penalty minutes over three seasons and a rare goal in preseason.
Boucher's NHL contract
Boucher received a two-way NHL contract after his AHL contract was upgraded on July 1.
Boucher replaces Patrick Kane
Boucher technically replaced Patrick Kane in the Blackhawks lineup for this road trip.
Boucher's fight with Viel
Boucher fought Jeff Viel, an enforcer for the Lightning, in a duel that was the most spirited and intense Hawks fight in years.
Hawks' physicality needs
The Blackhawks need more physical play to counter criticism of being too soft in the NHL.
Boucher's impact on team
Boucher helped the Blackhawks rank 28th in NHL hits despite playing only eight minutes per game.
Boucher's confidence
Boucher believes his physical style and toughness will help the Blackhawks win battles.
Boucher's future
Boucher aims to bring physicality to every game, even if he plays only eight minutes per game.
Hawks' physicality strategy
The Blackhawks plan to have four lines that can hit defensemen to improve their physical play.
Boucher's next step
Boucher will continue to bring physicality to the Blackhawks as they prepare for upcoming games.
The big picture
Dillon Boucher, a 29-year-old forward who played college hockey and minor leagues, made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks after nearly a decade of playing in lower-tier hockey, replacing Patrick Kane in a physical style that boosted team toughness.
