Former Cochranite and current Mount Royal University (MRU) Cougar, Connor Bouchard, was honoured by his fellow teammates and family members for being named the 2023-2024 U SPORTS National Player of the Year.
The ceremony took place at Mount Royal University on Oct 10, which also recognized Bouchard’s teammates Shane Farkas who won Goalie of the Year, and Clay Hanus for being a First Team All-Canadian Defenseman.
Bouchard played 26 games with the Cougars during his second year. He garnered 57 points through 23 goals and 34 assists. Additionally, he secured 12 powerplay goals, averaged 2.23 goals a game, and held a +31 plus-minus rating. He also held a 24-point streak for the season and is the first player since 2000-2001 to reach the 50-point milestone.
He will be the second Cougar in three seasons to win the award.
“I was lucky enough to play on a good team, and I was lucky enough to have some success,” Bouchard said. “I’m very happy to be part of this team, very humbled to receive the Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Trophy for player of the year, and just proud to be a Mount Royal Cougar.”
Prior to his time as an MRU Cougar, Bouchard spent five seasons with the Tri-City Americans in the WHL.
Currently, Bouchard is in his third year in the MRU sports management program. He plans to play hockey for as long as possible, but also hopes to be involved in the sport in any way he can. Looking ahead to the new season, he outlined that he is excited to be on the ice for a third time.
“I love the group we have; I’m fired up to back, and get ‘er going with the boys,” he said.
He adds that he is thankful for all the support he’s received from his family, team, and all of the coaching and faculty from MRU.
Bert Gilling, head coach for the MRU Men’s Hockey program, said it is phenomenal to be part of the event and to see Bouchard’s growth as a player.
“To be the top player in the country, it speaks for itself,” Gilling said. “There’s 35 Men’s hockey university programs from coast-to-coast, so it’s very deserved for him.”
Gilling adds that it was a very special year for Bouchard, which could be seen through his performance on a regular basis.
“He’s such good kid and a hardworking guy," he said. "He’s so passionate about the game; it’s really nice to see him rewarded for that."
From his perspective, Gilling believes that Bouchard has what it takes to make it as a pro hockey player.
“He’ll play professionally,” Gilling said. “It’s going to be an interesting path to follow, because he’s not your typical, early 20’s NHL-type prospect. He’s going to need some time. I see him continuing to develop over the years.
“[…] he just needs to continue playing at the highest level. I see him over in Europe, making some money in this game. Then if it gets to if the right guy sees him at the right time, who knows what could happen.”
