2008 NHL TOP PROSPECT – ZACH BOY

By Jesse Watts
rWHL.CA
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rProspect Profile: ZACH BOYCHUK, Lethbridge Hurricanes Forward
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Hometown:  Airdrie, AB

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D.O.B: October 4, 1989

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Ht:  5’ 9”

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Wt:  176

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WHL Bantam Draft:  2004, 5^th rd, 88^th overall

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C.C.S Rank:  8^th among domestic draft-eligible skaters

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Zach Boychuk just completed his third season in the Western Hockey League with the Lethbridge Hurricanes.  The 18-year-old center notched 33 goals and 72 points in 61 games for the ‘Canes during the 2007-08 season, helping the team to its best regular-season record in over a decade.  Boychuk added 13 goals and 21 points in 18 post-season contests as he led the Hurricanes all the way to the 2008 WHL Championship series.

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In his three WHL seasons, Boychuk has established himself as one of the top offensive players in the League.  The 5’ 9”, 176-lb pivot may not be the biggest player on the ice, but more than makes up for his smaller stature with his tremendous skating and offensive skills.  An extremely well-conditioned athlete, Boychuk possesses explosive speed and an excellent work ethic.  With outstanding vision, hockey sense, and playmaking and puck handling skills, Boychuk is always a threat to score or create scoring chances when he’s on the ice.

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Boychuk has an extensive background with Canada’s National teams.  He won Gold medals as a member of Canada’s Under-18 team in 2006 at the Junior World Cup and as a member of Canada’s National Junior team in 2008, and also played for Canada at the 2007 Under-18 World Championship and the 2007 Canada-Russia Super Series.  Boychuk was also a member of Team Pacific at the 2006 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

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Boychuk participated in the 2008 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects game, and also played for Team WHL at both the 2006 and 2007 ADT Canada-Russia Challenges.

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Did you know…Boychuk has a twin sister, Corissa, who is a nationally-ranked gymnast specializing in trampoline.  Boychuk played minor hockey in Airdrie, AB, with Prince George Cougars star and Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Dana Tyrell.

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Year                 GP       G          A          PTS      +/-        PIM

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2005-06             64         18         33         51         3          30

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2006-07             69         31         60         91         19         52

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2007-08             61         33         39         72         26         80

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WHL Playoffs

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2006                 6          0          5          5          2          2

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2008                 18         13         8          21         4          6