September 6, 2007

Boucher Signs with ECHL's RiverKings

The Mississippi RiverKings of the Central Hockey League announced today that the team has signed former Dartmouth goaltender Nick Boucher. The RiverKings now have 18 players signed to contracts for the start of training camp on Monday, October 8 at the DeSoto Civic Center.

Boucher is returning to North American pro hockey after a season in Europe in 2006-2007. He saw action in the Dutch Super Liga with the Basingtstoke Bison and in the English Elite League with the Tilburg Trappers. He played in a combined 45 games with the two European squads last season.

"I have heard good things about the organization and I thought it was a good fit," Boucher said about signing with the RiverKings. "I am glad to be returning to North American pro hockey after my one season in Europe."

The 26-year-old native of Cobble Hill, BC broke just about every goaltending record during his four seasons at Division I Dartmouth from 1999 to 2003. He went 50-40-11 for the Big Green during that time and still holds, among others, the career and single-season wins mark as well as the single game, season and career marks for total saves.

Boucher was a ninth round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2000 and started his pro career in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers in 2003-2004. He finished fourth in the balloting for ECHL Rookie of the Year and was a member of the All-Rookie Team, finishing the season with a 20-6-1 record, a 2.48 GAA and .908 save percentage. That season also included a two month call-up to the AHL and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins that saw Boucher play in six games, going 1-0-1, 2.05 and .923.

He moved on to the Pee Dee Pride (ECHL) in 2004-2005 and saw action in 50 games. He split the 2005-2006 season in the UHL with the Elmira Jackals and Muskegon Fury.