Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: Canucks Coach Boudreau Could’ve Played Pro Baseball; Marchant Shares Record With Great One

Todd Marchant shares a place in the NHL record book with Wayne Gretzky

Published

2 years ago

August 23, 2022

Bob Duff

Vancouver Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau appeared in the film Slap Shot

You don’t take a look at Vancouver Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau behind the bench and immediately think about Bo Jackson. And yet, in his younger days, there were professional baseball teams that were willing to give Gabby a shot at becoming a two-sport star.

He’s definitely one of the more interesting characters in the NHL. A huge WWE fan, Boudreau won two Memorial Cups with the Toronto Marlboros, played in the NHL and WHA and was a member of the supporting cast in the hockey cult classic Slap Shot.

Next time you sit down to watch the antics of the Charlestown Chiefs, check out No. 7 for the Hyannisport Presidents. That’s Boudreau. And Reg Dunlop’s apartment with the Canadian flag over the bed? That was the place where Boudreau was living while playing for the NAHL Johnstown Jets.

Bruce Boudreau, coach of the Vancouver Canucks, was an extra in the classic, "Slap Shot". Here he is rounding the net with a full head of hair. 😁 #Canucks pic.twitter.com/J9KEbNGkwE

— The Hockey Samurai 侍 (@hockey_samurai) June 23, 2022

But it was a few years before launching his film career that Boudreau almost made it on the diamond.

“I could run believe it or not, and I could hit,” Boudreau told Rob Simpson of Vancouver Hockey Now.

A prominent amateur baseball player in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Boudreau attended MLB tryout camps and was offered a contract by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“I just thought I was going to be a hockey player,” Boudreau explained. “It wasn’t until years later, you see Bo Jackson playing two sports, and guys like that, and I thought ‘man I should have tried that, that would have been great!’ I look at it now and I wish I would have done it.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Red Wings draft pick Liam Dower Nilsson is off to a fast start for Frolunda in the SHL preseason
Why the Red Wings shouldn’t be concerned that Sebastian Cossa didn’t play more in the World Juniors
Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman Donovan Sebrango made World Junior history with Canada’s victory

Hockey Now Network

Pittsburgh: Will the Penguins be inviting any players to training camp on PTOs? Pittsburgh Penguins

Boston: What can Fabian Lysell do for the Bruins this season? Boston Bruins

Washington: Former Red Wings forward Anthony Mantha is a fan of Capitals prospect Hendrix Lapierre. Washington Capitals

Islanders: After signing restricted free agent defenseman Noah Dobson to a new contract, Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello was stating that he’ll be needing to see more from Dobson this season and into the future. New York Islanders

Florida: What can the Panthers expect to get this season from sophomore forward Anton Lundell? Florida Panthers

Colorado: On his day with the Stanley Cup, Avalanche defenseman Bo Byram was opting to sample a French Toast breakfast from the bowl of Lord Stanley’s mug. Colorado Avalanche

San Jose: Among his many accomplishments during his NHL career, Sharks director of player development Todd Marchant shares an NHL record with Wayne Gretzky. San Jose Sharks

Vegas: A look at some of the newcomers who will be part of the Golden Knights for the 2022-23 NHL season. Vegas Golden Knights

Montreal: What might center Kirby Dach’s next contract with the Canadiens look like? Montreal Canadiens

Calgary: Looking back at Sean Monahan’s legacy with the Flames. Calgary Flames