Maine Hockey Journal

Boucher return to the Colisee is a memorable one

Lewiston, ME – Kasey Boucher, a sophomore defenseman for the Boston University women’s ice hockey team, stepped onto the ice at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee for the first time since she was a pee-wee Tuesday night against the University of Maine Black Bears.

When the Lewiston native was announced as a starter, the arena erupted with a loud cheer and it brought her back to her days playing youth hockey.

“It definitely brought back some memories,” said Kasey Boucher. “It was just nice to be able to play in front of a lot of people, most that don’t get to make the trip to Boston and it is just as far to go to UMaine.”

She has been waiting for this day since the dog days of summer.

“I had no idea that I would ever be back here (playing in a competitive game),” stated Boucher. “I think I found out over the summer that I would be back playing here. I was so excited and told everyone right away.”

Although she was the star attraction Tuesday night it didn’t effect her preparing for the conference battle with Maine.

“I was more anxious to get out,” she stated. “Usually when I step out onto the ice, I am not nervous and pretty much a lot of people here have seen me play before – obviously the pressure was on more.”

Brian Durocher, Boston University’s head coach agreed Kasey took this game as any other.

“She was properly prepared and just excited to be here,” said Durocher. “She’s not a kid that gets too tight. She’s as consistent of a player that we have, day after day, game after game, she’s very consistent. That’s a great attribute of hers.”

She almost wrote the ending to her Hollywood story with five seconds left in regulation with the game tied at one. The 5’7 defender pinched in from the blue line set herself in deep in the slot but puck took a bad hop over her stick.

“Kasey had a fantastic game,” Durocher added. “She logged a ton of minutes; she’s that effortless quick skater and who also handles the puck well. We are lucky to have her.”

“It would have been a storybook ending.”

The game ended in a 2-1 shootout win for the Terriers and Boucher was glad Jenelle Kohanchuk ended the game in shootout before it was her turn to shoot.

“I was happy, shootouts aren’t my specialty.”

She has competed at a high level her entire career. As a freshman she attended Hebron Academy then moved onto the North American Hockey Academy in Stowe, Vermont.

She’s apart of women’s hockey history as she suited up in the inaugural Women’s World Under-18 Championships in 2008 and has a gold medal to go along with her experience.

“It was unreal and it was one of my best moments of my life,” Boucher said. “Especially when we won, but being able to wear a jersey with a USA logo on it and your name on the back, there are no words to describe it.”

Other Mainers to be named to Team USA for international competition include Greg Moore (World Junior Championships), Eric Weinrich (Olympics), and most recently Derek Damon (Deutschland Cup).

Before the game she got the rare chance to see her father in action. Don Boucher is the head coach for the St. Dom’s women’s hockey team as they drew a 1-1 tie with Lewiston High School.

“When I was taping my stick, I was watching my dad from across the rink,” Boucher said laughing. “I was trying to see his coaching techniques.”

With women’s hockey now a varsity sport at the high school level in the state of Maine, Boucher see the sport getting popular by the year.

“I think it’s awesome how much (women’s hockey) is growing,” she added. “Now it’s a varsity sport for the high schools in Maine, I think it’s a great step for the growth of women’s hockey. It’s getting stronger and stronger each year and I can tell by watching.”

NOTES: Boston University’s assistant coach Katie Lachapelle also hails from Lewiston. She played her college hockey at Providence College.

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