Enjoying life overseas
Summerside native heading back to Germany for 2017-18 season
Darryl Boyce of Summerside has welcomed the opportunity to continue his professional hockey career in Europe.
Having already 2 ½ years experience playing in Finland, the Summerside native will begin his second season in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) later this summer.
“We are cultured anyways,” joked Boyce referring to himself and his wife, Melissa (nee Gallant). “You get to visit so many different countries, experience the culture, the foods they are eating, the lifestyle that they live, the biking, walking, rollerblading everywhere.
“It’s been a life-changing experience.
“Now having two kids, one was born in Finland and the other born in Germany, hopefully they will want to take Dad back on a little trip when they want to rediscover their roots.”
Boyce, who was a head-table guest for the Special Olympics Festival luncheon in Summerside on Monday, recorded 31 points – 11 goals and 20 assists – in 48 regular-season games with Ingolstadt during the 201617 campaign. He will suit up for Duesseldorf for the 2017-18 season.
When asked about his first year in Germany, Boyce commented: “It was great. It was more North Americanized than Finland was.
“With the rules with imports we had a lot more North American players, and for the family lifestyle it suited us perfect.”
Hockey-wise, Boyce described the calibre of play in the DEL as very high.
“I’d say it’s on par with the AHL,” assessed Boyce, who turns 33 on July 7. “Age-wise, the average age is four or five
years older than American Hockey League players.
“AHL players tend to go over there later in their careers, and you get to catch up with some guys you played with in your mid-20s in North America.”
One major difference playing in Germany compared to North America is a much earlier start to the season. Boyce will head back to Germany for training camp on July 20, and the regular season starts in September.
“We do quite a bit of training camp and pre-season games,” said Boyce. “The season runs pretty short. We play 52 games and each team four times.
“There will be a big break for the Olympics in February. Not knowing who’s going to play in the Olympics, I’m sure if there’s no NHL players there will be players from our league for all different countries.”
Hockey, Boyce said, is a very popular sport in Germany.
“It’s huge,” he emphasized. “Outside of soccer, with soccer being their main sport, hockey is No. 2.
“The team I’m going to this year, their rink holds about 17,000 and they will be close to full every night. Berlin packs the Mercedes Centre and it holds probably 14,000.
“They love their hockey, and are very passionate people. It’s been great.”