Why we love Zach Boychuk

July 1, 2015 Head Squawker 0 Comments

Okay, we’ll start off with some honesty. We immediately liked Zach Boychuk because he was the first NHL player to follow us on twitter @HockeySquawk.

We knew that Zach played for the Carolina Hurricanes but really didn’t know much about him. So we started taking a closer look and liked him even more. Really liked him.

Zach Boychuk is the epitome of a hockey player. Never give up on the dream. Never stop working.

He has experienced both success and frustration.

Zach was initially drafted #11 overall by the Hurricanes in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings in 2008, becoming the first Hurricane player to suit up in his draft year since Eric Staal in 2003. He also helped Canada win the World Junior Championship in 2008 and 2009, as assistant captain for the latter.

He scored his first NHL goal early in the 2010 season and later that year would register his first multi-goal game.

Never give up. Never stop working.

But Zach’s road in the NHL hasn’t always been about forward progress. Every year he has spent some time in the AHL. Quite successfully, however, with a Willie Marshall Award for the top scorer under his belt.

Each year he has been faced with the same gut wrenching notification. And many players have called it quits. But not Zach.

Never give up. Never stop working.

Last year in Carolina he had his longest NHL stint. The Hurricanes have qualified him and Zach is currently a Restricted Free Agent.

We look forward to seeing him in a Hurricanes uniform again.

We’ll be rooting for you, Zach!

Check out some of his highlights below.