Big season didn’t change Boeser
Even-keeled winger cares more about his friends than what his contract extension will be
Too good to be true?
That’s a fitting summation of Brock Boeser. Kind and considerate, immensely skilled and with an inherent will to treat everyone with respect, it takes a lot to unnerve the sophomore Vancouver Canucks winger. Cheap shots on the ice or from the bench didn’t bother him as an NHL rookie trying to find his way.
However, take issue with somebody he cares deeply about — especially a friendship with Baylee Bjorge, who has Down syndrome — and Boeser bristles. A Twitter troll who recently tweeted to Bjorge “he (Boeser) would never go out with you for real” and that it was “probably a pity date” got a sharp response.
“People like this guy make me sick,” tweeted Boeser, who elaborated on his disgust Wednesday at the Jake Milford charity golf tournament.
“That’s not something you should do to anyone in this world — especially to a special person like that. She means well and everybody loves her. Every time I go back to North Dakota, I see her and we grab a bite. She makes my day a little brighter and it’s always an honour to see her.”
Two years ago, Bjorge was a high school senior in Grand Forks, N.D. and asked Boeser to the prom via social media. Her account was shut down by her mother, but Boeser pressed on and willingly accepted the invitation. They remain close and the plan is to get Bjorge here for a game this season.
“When something does affect Brock, obviously there’s a purpose behind it (his response),” said Canucks defenceman Troy Stecher, the winger’s former college teammate and roommate last season. “That’s just the individual he is. He looks out for the people he’s closest to.”
It’s a window on Boeser’s world because Stecher knows Boeser won’t change when he eventually signs a contract extension. He’ll be the same fun-loving guy off the ice and all business on it.
Despite a back injury that forced the Calder Trophy finalist to miss the final 16 games last season — he also had a bothersome wrist treated in the off-season — the 21-year-old is poised to build on his 55 points (29-26) in 62 games. The goals came via a heavy and accurate wrist shot and eye-popping 16.2 shooting percentage.
Boeser also stole the NHL All-Star Game show as most valuable player. He won a car and gave it to his sister.
The accomplishment meant an entry-level bonus of US$212,500 and the same amount for making the allstar team. There was also $100,000 for being part of the champion Pacific Division entry, $25,000 for topping the shooting accuracy and $10,000 all the stars received.
“It’s like that saying: ‘Good things happen to good people,’” Stecher said. “He’s one of those people, and all the success he had last year he definitely deserved. And this summer he didn’t change. He stayed his humble self with that demeanour and it’s impressive to watch.
“He has been a big part of every team he has played for and it has humbled him.”
Boeser also dominated Da Beauty League, a Minnesota summer loop that features NHL and NCAA players, with 34 points (16-18) in nine games.
“It gave me confidence and let me relax a bit knowing my wrist is good and I can shoot the puck,” Boeser said.
Excellence on the ice is one thing. Boeser is also a shining example of respecting the past and living in the moment.
His father Duke battles Parkinson’s disease and nearly died in a car crash when his son was an emerging freshman star. Boeser’s grandfather Bob died before the winger would play a USHL game. And in another car crash, Boeser lost former baseball teammate Ty Alyea while another passenger was critically injured. At the time, Boeser was away at a hockey tournament.
No wonder he has a different perspective than most.
He knows he’ll be under more scrutiny, much like his sophomore season at North Dakota after scoring 60 points in a 42-game rookie season, but he’s better equipped than most to take the next step.
“A year under your belt, you learn a lot of things,” Boeser said. “You have to take care of your body better, whether that’s stretching or doing a light bike after (games). You have to keep your legs fresh and you have to stay on top of your eating and sleeping.
“In my second season at North Dakota, it was a lot harder (34 points). I tried to do too much and battled injuries and got away from my game. That’s why I keep saying I have to stick to my game.”
And not getting distracted every time somebody brings up a contract extension.
“I haven’t even thought about it,” said Boeser, who’s entry-level deal expires after this season. “You bring it up, I’ll brush it aside. I don’t know what the numbers will be and I’m not going to worry about it until they talk or until after the season.”