NICK BOUCHER Position: GOALIE

Player Profile

Q: How did you pick your playing number?

A: I've had several numbers throughout my career, and with the exception of a few earlier in career, most of my numbers have been given to me by default-that's what the team had so I wore them.

Q: Do you have a nickname at hockey?

A: Yes, it's just my last name shortened-Bouche, pronounced "Boosh". 

Q: When did you start playing hockey?

A: I started playing at age 7, relatively late for Canada.

Q: How did you score your first goal?

A: I have never scored a goal in competitve hockey-even during the brief time I smpent playing defense as a child.  I guess that was a strong indication to go in the pipes.

Q: Do you have a set move on a breakaway or do you decide on the way in?  

A: I try to be patient and force the player into doing what I want him to do, which is try make a dmove on me rather than take a shot.

Q: Who was your favourite NHL player growing up?

A: I grew up watching the Edmonton Oilers dynasty of the 80's win Stanley Cups, so my favorite player was their goaltender, Grant Fuhr.

Q: What other sports do you follow?  

A: I enjoy playing and following golf, but also follow American Football and Major League Baseball a little.

Q: Do you have a favourite shot? 

A: I just stop them. 

A: What’s the most memorable moment of your hockey career?  

A: I have several, but being drafted and skating on the ice with Mario Lemieux and the other great Pittsburgh Penguin players, along with winning the last several Turner Cups back in Fort Wayne rank among the most memorable for me.

Q: Worst injury you have had in a game?

A: I've had a lot over the years, but I think the one that took me out of the lineup for the longest duration was when I suffered a groin muscle (adductor muscle) tear.  Was on crutches and missed 2 months.

Q: What do you do in your free time away from hockey?  

A: During the season, I enjoy playing the guitar and teaching young goalies the position.  In the summertime I will do both of those activities and also play a lot of golf and try to enjoy the outdoors.  

Q: What’s your dream car?  

A: Undoubtedly the BMW 745-loaded

Q: You’ve just won the lottery what do you do?

A: Buy my BMW 745, get a nice place, invest most of the rest and donate some to a worthy cause.

Q: What’s your future ambition?  

A: I'm going to play hockey until I decide that.

Q: Favourite moment with the Bears?  

A: Probably helping to turn around the club to a winning team.

Q: What do you have on your ipod right now?  

A: Mostly rock of various generations, and lots of country.

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing hockey?  

A: The most enjoyable part of playing, above the practices and all the games, is the commaraderie that forms among your teammates. 

Q: Favourite hockey movie?  

A: Slapshot, with Youngblood coming in a close second.