(FREDERICTON, NB) The reigning Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey champion UNB Varsity Reds have received a signed U SPORTS Letter of Intent from forward Matthew Boucher.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Boucher calls Quebec City home, and recently completed a much-heralded four-year career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Boucher played two games with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in 2013-14, spent the 2014-15 season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, and the last three seasons with the Quebec Remparts.
In 241 regular season QMJHL games, Boucher scored 96 goals and 94 assists.
2017-18 was his most productive season. He averaged more than a point a game over 66 games, scoring 31 goals and 38 assists.
“We’re extremely excited to add Matthew to our hockey club,” said Varsity Reds head coach Gardiner MacDougall. “His leadership and well-rounded game will be a huge asset to our team. He’s increased his offensive production and performance each year of his career.”
“I’m a competitor who has good offensive and defensive abilities,” said Boucher. “I have a strong desire to win and be a leader.”
Boucher, who registered 300-plus penalty minutes in his four full Quebec League seasons, is the son of former NHL defenceman Philippe Boucher.
He played in 16 seasons with Buffalo, Los Angeles, Dallas and Pittsburgh before retiring after the 2008-09 season.
The elder Boucher, who won a Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 2009, also coached the Remparts, the team from which his son is graduating.
“I chose UNB because of the opportunity to win,” said Boucher. “I wanted to be part of that winning legacy and program.”
The 20-year-old Boucher can play all three forward positions, and MacDougall says he’ll be called upon to play in all situations.
“Adding a player that can play a 200-foot game and contribute both offensively and defensively is huge,” said MacDougall. “His energy and hard work are something we covet at UNB. He’ll be an important part of our future.”
Boucher, who will study business, is the latest confirmed member of UNB Hockey’s 2018 recruiting class, joining WHL vets Joe Gatenby and Mark Rassell.
The trio will join the Varsity Reds when UNB’s training camp opens on August 31st, ahead of the 2018-19 AUS season.