Canada has long been celebrated for its talented and successful hockey players, and among the greats of the 20th century was Ottawa native George Boucher. Beginning his career in football, excelling as a hockey defenceman, and later transitioning into coaching, Boucher left an indelible mark on the sport. Learn more about his inspiring journey at iottawa.net.
Early Life of a Hockey Star
George Boucher was born in Ottawa in 1895 into a sports-loving family. His father, Tom Boucher, was a prominent rugby player in Ottawa. George had five brothers and two sisters, with his brothers Bob, Frank, and Billy also pursuing hockey careers.
At 21, George enlisted in the Canadian Army, serving in the Ottawa-Carleton Battalion. However, he was discharged after two months for undisclosed reasons. In May 1917, he attempted to re-enlist but was rejected due to severe heart issues uncovered during a medical exam.
Transition from Football to Hockey
George Boucher’s athletic journey began in football. He played as a halfback for the Ottawa Rough Riders, a team in the Canadian Football League, for three years before switching to hockey.
Boucher’s hockey career began in amateur leagues, playing for teams like the Ottawa Aberdeens and New Edinburgh. He also competed with the Royal Canadians in Ottawa’s hockey league, initially as a forward. Standing 175 centimetres tall, Boucher’s height gave him an advantage on the ice.
In 1915, Boucher joined the Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey Association, the precursor to the NHL. Transitioning to the position of defenceman, he thrived, gaining recognition as a skilled and dependable player.
During his career, Boucher played alongside several hockey icons, including:
- King Clancy
- Eddie Gerard
- Lionel Hitchman
- Horace Merrill
- Sprague Cleghorn
With Boucher anchoring the defence, the Ottawa Senators secured the Stanley Cup four times between 1920 and 1927. His defensive prowess and commitment to the game earned him numerous accolades and the admiration of fans and teammates alike.
Boucher continued his career in the National Hockey League (NHL) until 1932. Over 440 games, he scored 117 goals, made 87 assists, and accumulated 838 penalty minutes—115 of which came in just 44 games during the 1926–1927 season. He ranked 11th in the NHL for points scored during his career.
Boucher made history as the first defenceman to score a hat trick in an NHL playoff game, leading the Senators to a 5–0 victory in the 1921 championship opener.
After retiring in 1932, Boucher began coaching the next generation of hockey players. He served as a coach in the NHL for teams in Ottawa, Boston, and St. Louis. His most notable coaching role was with the Ottawa Senators, where he brought his expertise and passion for the game to aspiring players.
George Boucher’s later years were marked by health struggles, as he battled throat cancer. In 1960, his contributions to hockey were immortalized when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Boucher remains a symbol of perseverance and dedication, having made significant contributions to both the sport and his hometown of Ottawa.