Family support and help from the Senators has Boucher back on track

Tyler Boucher has learned to live in the moment.

Even after a significant injury to his right-shoulder abridged his season, he never became discouraged. Instead, he is now even more focused on using his opportunities to advance.

As a participant at Ottawa Senators development camp this week, the hard-working forward was once again able to display the skill and determination that made him the tenth overall selection at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Now healthy, Boucher was quick to praise the organization for providing the necessary resources throughout his injury rehabilitation.

“I feel great. These guys take unbelievable care of me. It’s insane what they do for me every day. I spent last summer here, and I spent a lot of my time here. They go above and beyond for me. So I feel confident all the time.”

The experience of overcoming this setback has only reinvigorated his commitment to playing at the highest level and helping the franchise that supported him through adversity.

“I want to do everything I can to help this team, help the organization, and bring a Stanley Cup here. I’m going to work as hard as I can. I know they’ll take care of me. In the end, I want to be playing on this team and have an important impact in helping us.”

In spite of being limited to just 21 games last season, Boucher registered ten goals and seven assists with the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League. He was also a key contributor for Team USA at the World Junior Championships where he captured a bronze medal. The prestigious tournament was a great showcase for the native of Haddonfield, New Jersey, as he managed three goals, one assist, and eight penalty minutes in six contests against elite international competition.

Like many top prospects, Tyler has significant hockey bloodlines. His father, Brian, is an analyst with ESPN, ABC and NBC Sports Philadelphia and was a veteran of twenty-two professional seasons. Of course, as a goaltender, the elder Boucher was as committed to turning aside sharpshooters. His son is now determined to score as many goals as he can. The Boucher family knows life can be challenging on either side of the puck, whether firing shots or blocking them. Tyler has relied on his parents through the ups and downs of his early career.

“I grew up in the rink. That’s how I fell in love with the game. Obviously, having a dad that played in the NHL. He understands things differently. It’s easy to relate to situations, so whenever I’m struggling, he’s been there. He’s struggled at the highest level, just like everybody does. It’s great to have him as a dad but also a best friend to lean back on. Not just my dad but my mom was there along with him. She played a huge role with him and she plays a huge role with me.”

With the help of his family, Tyler knows he is ready for the next challenge in his career. Given his potential and compete level, Senators fans in Ottawa and Belleville should be excited too.

“I think I’m ready to turn pro. Obviously, it was great with the 67’s. They took great care of me,” he said. “But this is something I’ve been looking forward to my whole life. This is what I felt I was meant to do, and I’m excited for it.”