LAKELAND - One of St. Paul's own was on the ice and under the lights at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Family Day.
Owen Boucher plays in the Western Hockey League (WHL) as a defenceman with the Winnipeg Ice. The recently turned 18-year-old grabbed an assist during the Monday afternoon match-up, which featured a battle between the WHL's Eastern Conference leaders. The Edmonton Oil Kings are sitting in first place in the conference, but the Ice has played fewer games overall.
The Ice came out strong during Monday's game, and took the lead. Boucher earned himself an assist on a second goal scored by the Ice in the first period, but then headed to the penalty box shortly after, where the Oil Kings were able to monetize on the opportunity, grabbing their first goal of the game on the power play.
The momentum of the game began to shift, and the Oil Kings would ultimately win 6-3, which included scoring on an empty net in the last minute of play.
Speaking after the game, Boucher acknowledged the Ice had a good start, but got a little lazy as things went on.
"We took it easy on them in the second period, which we can't do going into the second half of the season."
He noted that the Winnipeg-based team is in a bit of a tough slump right now, but he is confident that if the players follow their systems and listen to the coaches, "we should be fine in the second half of the season."
Boucher was drafted to the WHL two years ago as a 16-year-old, in March of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic made for an unusual season on 2020/21, and Boucher says he is still adjusting to all the hours spent travelling.
But, coming to play in Edmonton is always a good experience, knowing he has a solid group of fans in the stands.
"It's a good feeling. You grew up watching the Oil Kings... it's a crazy feeling being able to play in Rogers Place against them and have all those family and friends watching, so it's great."
As a Grade 12 student, Boucher is also working hard to keep up with school, doing classes online. He's also planning to return to St. Paul Regional High School to finish out the school year once the hockey season wraps up.
Looking forward to the rest of the season on the ice, Boucher says staying focused and sticking to systems will be key.
When asked about how things have changed compared to this time one year ago, Boucher says this season has been "unreal." He acknowledged that last year was tough playing in the bubble and only having 24 games.
"Now playing a 68-game season, it's the best thing ever... it's just great."
But with that 68-game season comes a lot more travel.
"Travel is taking a toll on me. I'm not used to travelling 13 hours in one day," says Boucher, with a laugh.
