Alumni Report: Nick Bootland
Kirsty Budd, Guelph Storm Staff
GuelphStorm.com had a chance to interview the alumni that attended the Storm’s alumni weekend on June 11 and 12. Thirty-six former players, including 10 who do or did skate in the NHL at one point, took part in the game. Several other alumni also watched the game from behind the bench. The weekend also included a BBQ and alumni-only banquet. The proceeds from the game went to several local charities, including the Guelph Wish Fund for Children.
Nick Bootland was a career Storm player. He was drafted by the club in the fifth round of the 1995 OHL Priority Selection and finished his OHL career with the team in the Memorial Cup Finals in 1997-98.
Bootland counts those finals as one of his favourite memories with the Storm. “It was great to be there as a senior player and know that you were being counted on to go out there and produce. I really enjoyed being a key part of that team and making a contribution,” he said.
Bootland said that he was excited to be back in town for the alumni game and looking forward to seeing old friends and teammates. He noted that his time with the Storm groomed him to be both a champion player and person. “I feel fortunate that I played in Guelph under E.J. McGuire who pushed us to excel both on and off the ice. The organization really helped to shape me as a person.”
When asked what he misses most about playing in Guelph, Bootland replied that he misses the camaraderie of the team. “We were a tight-knit group, it’s a different kind of friendship, a bit like a family.”
Nick was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the ninth round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft and is currently in his second year of coaching the Kalamazoo Wings in Michigan.
Bootland’s advice for younger players is to “always take a step back and realise how fortunate you are to be playing hockey at any level. Play the game everyday and play it like it’s your last day.”
