The Road to Forgiveness for an NHL Native American Hero

Former Detroit Red Wing and Minnesota North Star Henry Boucha was the victim of a savage on-ice assault in 1975.
Before playing in the NHL, Henry Boucha, a native American, was considered to be one of the greatest high school players in Minnesota hockey history.
But his High School career ended suddenly in the 1969 state championship game when he was badly injured and had to be carried off Minnesota’s Met Center ice.
Six years later, his NHL career would effectively end on the same Met Center ice when he was again severely injured in one of the most gruesome acts of violence to ever stain the sport of hockey.
But In between these troubling events, Boucha became a medal-winning US Olympian, a popular and dynamic NHL player and a role model for native-american athletes.
While his hockey legacy will always be connected to that horrifying night in 1975,
Henry Boucha’s life story is a lesson in courage, forgiveness and the peace he found in the wisdom of his ancestors.
Resources include:
Vintage MN Hockey
NBC Sports
Minnesota Tribune
National Hockey League.
HenryBoucha.com
US Hockey Hall Fame
#detroitredwings #usahockey #hockeyfights
Copyright Disclaimer:
Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for Fair Use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and more. No copyright infringement intended.
www.prohockeyalumni.org
[e-mail]

[@mattanderson6336]

Henry Boucher passed away at his home in Warroad MN yesterday 9/18/23. RIP to a Minnesota legend.

[@hockeyxchange3]

May you Rest In Peace Henry Boucha. Minnesota Hockey will forever remember your name for both MN Hockey & Native Americans in sports

[@yogibearstie]

Native American Gary Sargent played for the Los Angeles Kings in the 70’s and was very good to my boyhood best friend who was dying of cancer. Gary if you somehow read this, thank you from both a 10 year old me and a 50 year old me. I will always be your fan.

[@squiggleface3631]

Thanks for creating and sharing Henry's story. So many older NHL players are now dying and I feel it is important to honour and remember some of the accomplishments and contributions from these past players.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Yes, I agree ... that era is slipping away and I ant to take sure there is a permanent and accurate record of the players' achievements.

[@mckessa17]

@@ProHockeyAlumni Great Story, thanks for sharing.

[@Mike14G]

There are great!! Do you have any Buffalo Sabres stories? Brian Spencer would be a great one if there isn’t one of him already.

[@johnalwell5795]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@carischofield3450]

Amazing story, my uncle is Eddie Boucha, who is Henry’s brother, I went to Henry’s wedding and a few other places with him in Milwaukee, he’s an awesome guy!!

[@twistoffate4791]

It's an honor to hear from you.

[@projektkobra2247]

Uhm....if Eddie is Henrys brother, doesnt that make Henry your uncle as well?

[@projektkobra2247]

@@Mordante69 -Brain cramp-Forehead slap!! D'oh!!!

[@skaldlouiscyphre2453]

@@projektkobra2247 I guess someone pointed out the second clause of OP's post already.

[@projektkobra2247]

@@skaldlouiscyphre2453 -I think so, but its deleted?..LOL..yeah anyway...I probably wrote that too early. Go Bruins!

[@DanA-iw4qs]

Was at that game at the Met. I can't tell you how angry I was. Decades later I got to meet Mr Boucha. Simply amazing man. Had the good fortune of seeing him a few more times. What a gentleman. I miss you, Hank!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

awesome! Thx!

[@haljalykakik2384]

I was at that game too! I was six years old at the time and was a huge fan of the North Starts. My dad had season tix and we went to almost every home game together. I remember being stunned watching it all go down as I had never seen a hockey fight as brutal as that one before. Pretty cool you got to meet Mr Boucha. He sounds like he's a really great guy as well as an awesome player

[@MisterMister5893]

What a story. thanks for sharing.

[@JaLa248]

Been at the Met Stadium many times! That was awful and Forbes I think was charged criminally.

[@deedonnerramone4757]

I attended a Hank Boucha hockey clinic in Detroit in 1972/73 - He was a stickler for perfection, I remember him correcting me several times to get some basic fundamentals right. He is a hero in Motown.

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

At the time, Henry seemed more unusual as a U.S. player than a Native American. I'd read the Red Wings program during games at Olympia, and everybody else was Canadian except for Thommy Bergman, a Swede.

[@craignelson3243]

I was with my dad at that game, I was 13 years old. We were straight behind the net about 25 rows up. Forbes attacked him from behind like a coward. After none of the North stars had enough guts to go after Forbes for what he had done to Boucha I lost all my respect for his teammates. For the next several years I wouldn't even watch them on T.V. or go to the Met Center to watch a game. How he wasn't convicted for it I'll never know.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for sharing ... I totally understand how you would have been so let down by the North Stars reaction (or lack of) ... must have been a miserable game to attend -- especially for a young guy.

[@daveyboy_]

And there's Terry O'Reilly blindsiding him ..

[@jasonsabourin2275]

@@daveyboy_Yeah, that's what happens when you club a Bruin before he gets to turn around, One Good Screw deserves Another. BTW.... How are the Habs doing? Ha haha HA ha...... Gonna' be 29 years without a Cup, and COUNTING.

[@daveyboy_]

@@jasonsabourin2275 Again the Habs made history . The First and only team in the Wales Conference to win the Cambell cup. Most teams would hang a banner in the rink . But MTL. Nahhhh, no need . 24 fukin' cups

[@Andre-xs8ts]

@@jasonsabourin2275 and who will be doing the counting for you?

[@ianhowarth2656]

What a story! Mr. Boucha certainly had a rough ride in a sport that could be brutal. Am obvious case of discrimination, the NHLPA, who did nothing to help him, should be ashamed of themselves. That Mr. Boucha could bring himself to forgive the player that almost killed him, shows how getting in touch with your spirituality can save your life.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

excellent comment ... Thanks for leaving it!

[@918kickinwing]

I'm not very familiar with hockey but I definitely love the history and your channel is serving to educate. Being a Native American myself, I really enjoy those athletes we rarely hear about who represented our culture. Thanks for sharing his story.

[@_andthelike]

Thank you for these videos! Boucha’s story is so important. I’m glad he turned his life around in the end, but it shouldn’t have had to come to that - he deserved better treatment.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

You are welcome ... I agree with your views on Henry's career ... a lot to handle at a very young age. THX!

[@massivecumshot]

I met Henry in '73 at Olympia when he played for Detroit and I'd take practice shots with them at times as a goalie for the Junior Wings. He was a calm, peaceful presence in the locker room. Very proud, but humble and hard working man. He had a wrist snapping sweep shot that wasn't a rocket, but made the puck hard to track. I think he was the first guy I ever saw stick juggle a puck.

[@Qwalnuts]

Had the opportunity to meet Mr. Boucha up in Warroad a few years ago. A gracious and upstanding gentleman is how I describe him to people who ask. He’s a very genuine, high character person, very much devoted to being of service to others. I hope my kids have the chance to meet him too, so I can show them what a role model looks like.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

thanks for this great comment on Henry ... we agree!

[@gorviv529]

What a life. Such talent. Such tragic sadness. But what a comeback.

[@annoyingjake]

This one was hard to watch. The vicious attack on Boucha in Minnesota was horrific and sickening. But what transpired after that infamous night was worse. The behavior of the league (and specifically Clarence Campbell), The Minnesota North Stars ownership and management as well as Alan Eagleson's players association was nothing short of cowardly. It couldn't be any clearer that they simply wanted to protect the image of the league and for Henry Boucha to go away. And the behavior of the entire Boston Bruins organization was truly shameful. Don Cherry has been waxing nostalgic about his beloved lunch pail gang in Boston for years. But I've never heard him talk about this incident. And while I don't want to paint the entire team with the same brush, it has to be said that they had more than their share of dirty players. In 1975, it was Dave Forbes and Bobby Schmautz who most notably filled that role. Forbes was, at best a marginal talent. Schmautz was better but was also an absolute psycho. And the fact that the Bruin stars rallied to Forbes' defense is a stain on each of their legacies. The NHL in the 1970's was completely unwilling and unprepared to deal with this kind of violence. And in some ways, they are still trying to sweep those unpleasant memories under the rug. I'm in my mid fifties and I've been obsessed with hockey for most of my life. That obsession began in the 1970's. Players like Darryl Sittler, Reg Leach and Brad Park were almost mythically heroic figures to me. And on some level, they still are! And believe it or not, I was a Boston Bruins fan. But there was a dark side to the good old days. January 4,1975 was probably the most grim example of that darkness. Thank you for shining a light on this painful episode. And thank you for illuminating the larger arc of Henry Boucha's life and career. It's an amazing and uplifting story. Sometimes it takes years to recognize true heroism.

[@carletonrutherford1799]

I used to be a fan of Bobby Orr. He was a great hockey talent, but the last couple of hears I learned a bit more about who Orr is. Now seeing this, and how he threatened to boycott the allstar game because of Forbes well deserved suspension, opened my eyes even more to what type of person Orr really was, and is. Now I wish Pat Quinn had really hurt Orr when he hit Orr, and put him on the ice. Orr is a scumbag, just like Cherry and Esposito.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

great insights that are very much appreciated ... your "obsession" sounds a lot like me ... you clearly have great knowledge of the game and I'm grateful that you shared your thoughts here.

[@jasonsabourin2275]

"It has to be said that the Bruins had more than their fair share of dirty players" besides this incident in the NHL Dave Forbes was a pussycat, and you named Schmautz........ Now, Who Else Makes up the Rest of Those DIRTY Bruins players?

[@jasonsabourin2275]

@@carletonrutherford1799 Right Carleton..... Now it's 1 person checked into the YEA "Bobby Orr is a Scumbag" Category to..... ummmm...... O.K. uhhhh... MULTI MILLIONS in the NAY category. P.S. Me thinks you might of had some animosity to begin with, either that or your not getting enough information on Orr, or at least the right kind..... Because You DON'T HAVE A CLUE ON WHAT AN INCREDIBLE HUMAN BEING BOBBY ORR IS.

[@timothyfenton2619]

I never knew that story. Boston Bruins should be embarrassed

[@IronSikh44]

I’m always astounded by the quality of your videos. I was blown away by this one. I had Boucha’s cards and just assumed he was a grinding/checking type player. It’s obvious to me now that he could’ve been a superstar had he not endured these targeted attacks. It’s sad to see someone’s life and career destroyed for being considered an outsider in the sport. Thank you for bringing awareness to these great stories.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Bob, I'm very appreciative of your kind words ... I produce these videos for fans like you! Thanks again for your support.

[@waynejohanson1083]

What Forbes did was assault. A 10 game suspension what a joke. Should have been suspended for life. And shame on Orr and Esposito for threatening to not go to the all star game.

[@johnnyraven4217]

Great story. Never knew. I remembered the name and now I know his great legacy . What a hero!

[@register1430]

I remember the head band and the fastest goal. Nothing of the other, I always thought he was French Canadian too. This is your BEST to date. All the video clips and the current status. WOW! And in the end the good guy won - so satisfying. I was dreading the end, death, bad health etc... Hopefully Dave Forbes is watching this. I expect this is a burden he is going to take to the grave unless he reaches out. I did see wiki mentions the $1 mil settlement from the Bruins. Of course another Eagleson victim. Come on people this is a channel worthy of 100K+ subs.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks, Reg .... It was good to have an upbeat conclusion ... Henry is a class guy, who makes a great contribution to his community ... Thanks again!

[@register1430]

@@ProHockeyAlumni Also the era of when newspapers were king AND just big in physical size. I still freeze frame those to read the stories. I know better to pan the frame but can you do a test with maybe a 1-2 second full frame before the pan? To my earlier comment I think it would be a great bookend to this story to get Forbes in a voice over clip for his side of the story, I bet you could make a good sell for that to happen. Would the case have proceeded even without Bouchas cooperation I wonder.

[@quest4adventure495]

Henry, is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, and a Minnesota legend.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Yes, good human being ... Thanks for your comment on HB!

[@seancasey8364]

In this story it mentioned that Alan Eagleson head of the NHL Players Association failed to return HB phone calls. Eagleson is the agent that screwed Bobby Orr leaving him broke when he was forced to retire at age 28 because his knee injuries. He was a complete POS. Eventually Eagleson was indicted, tried and sent to prison. Prison was too good for him. Glad to see HB found some peace later in life. One helluva hockey player he was.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks Sean ... excellent assessment of "The Eagle"

[@seancasey8364]

I had to bite my tongue with my words.I'm from the greater Boston area , am 65 yo and #4 and the rest of the Bruins in the 70's captivated the New England area. Later in my life I had the pleasure of meeting Bobby Orr and he's one of the nicest people I've ever met in my 65 years. And in general hockey players are the most down to earth professional athletes- hands down.These videos/ stories are a great way for people to know the roots of professional hockey. I love the fact that you include the WHA.

[@robertsprouse9282]

Brad Park said it best about EAGLESON; and, out he went from the great, HOCKEY HALL OF FAME, which I have visited. The EAGLE at 88 could soon land right on top of FORBES AND his fellow lumbricus terrestris.

[@Devrominums]

Great video. This channel is the most underrated thing in sports.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

That is high praise indeed ... I'm sincerely appreciative of your support and thanks so much for watching!

[@craigforsberg9844]

I remember that game in high school watching on TV. One of the best to come out of Minnesota hockey for sure

[@thebraindeadtofitian9770]

This is my uncle. My dad is David Boucha. I have his photo at my late dad's.

[@willyt3186]

I’m glad he has found happiness after a such a tragic experience in the nhl.

[@glenfriesner8720]

Sad to hear that you passed away . You will always be remembered

[@pete5819]

I saw & met Henry at the xcel energy center over 10 years ago. I heard of him growing up too. It's really cool to learn about his history. He'll always be in a special place in the heart of Minnesotans.

[@mortimerbrewster1028]

Thank You! I knew very little about Henry's story before he joined the Red Wings. Henry scored the fastest goal on a Sunday afternoon nationally televised NBC game against the Canadiens at the forum. I was elated because my Sabres were battling the Red Wings for the final playoff spot. With his headband Boucha became a favorite of mine. Rick Dudley joined him with the headband the following season. I believed the coach of the Bruins singled out Boucha for "special Treatment" because he was a native American born the the USA, wearing a headband. Hardly the traditional NHLer in Cherry's mind. Forbes was Cherry's tool. A few years later he would replace him with John Wensink.

[@JohnMartin-yj3gv]

I remember most of those NBC Sunday afternoon hockey on NBC, I cut out the schedule that was in the Montreal Gazette where CFCF 12 picked up the broadcast in Montreal during the 1973 season and beyond. I wish all those games were saved would be interesting watching them now! Final score on that 28 Jan 1973 game was Detroit 4 Canadiens 2.

[@michaelleroy9281]

1972-73 was the first season the Sabres were in the playoffs

[@williegordon7899]

Dave Forbes should have been kicked out of the NHL for that cowardly attack on Boucha. And I wonder why didn't his teammates jump Forbes and kicked his ass?. Say what you want about the Flyers but if Forbes had done that to one of the Flyers he would have gotten his ass jumped.

[@robertsprouse9282]

@@JohnMartin-yj3gv, TIM RYAN later of CBS NFL coverage, with the play by play, and "TERRIBLE TED" LINDSAY with the color/play analysis..BRIAN MC FARLANE the son of the original HARDY BOYS author, was third man in the booth and in-between periods host. I remember PETER PUCK, too. And, I was then, and am now, living in TEXAS. Who can forget good luck charm, KATE SMITH singing GOD BLESS AMERICA, and the PHILLY SPECTRUM crowd's reaction!! FLYERS could not lose for awhile, after that. And, DAVE HRECHKOSY(HUH RECK CUH SEE) AND THOSE TEAL SEALS UNIS... LOL.. I remember.

[@donhuber9131]

Assists Bill Collins and Red Berenson...if I remember correctly. Was Myre or Thomas in goal?

[@alspacrat]

Henry’s first game for KC was a victory over Washington. They went 0-21-6 after that. That was one sorry team. Thanks for posting. I learned a lot from this video.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

and I just learned something form your comment ... thanks very much for watching!

[@nosbike1]

Exceptionally well done as always Mark. Your honest, straight forward, to the point delivery is admirable. I'm of the vintage to remember many of the players and stories you cover and enjoy revisiting the history of the game as you tell it. Henry is a hero to many, especially in the aboriginal area I grew up in northern Ontario. Thank you!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Just an awesome comment and great appreciated ... I'm glad you enjoyed Henry's story and I'm grateful for support ... Fans like you make it worth the time and effort ... THX!

[@stevenjames7645]

I've lost a lot of respect for that Boston team please tell someone got back at Forbes for this

[@carletonrutherford1799]

Honestly!! If there ever was such a thing as karma, Forbes would surely have paid in some way. What a despicable scumbag. And so were all the Bruins who supported that piece of shit, including Orr, Cherry, and Esposito. F them all.

[@stevenjames7645]

@@carletonrutherford1799 Mr Rutherford you took the words right outta my mouth

[@jasonsabourin2275]

@@stevenjames7645 maybe you two can hook up, and cry in each other's Hot Choclate.

[@jasonsabourin2275]

@@carletonrutherford1799 Ohhhh.... Carleton did those Nasty, Mean Bruins drub your North Stars too much? Stop crying, your make ups gonna' run.

[@henrymanzano2201]

Aside from Bobby Orr, Raymond Bourque,Willie O'Ree and those old teams from the early days,there is nothing to respect about that organization. I hope someone got back at Forbes too. If it's any consolation,none of these chumps ever lifted a Stanley Cup as players ever again (not in Boston, anyway),being denied by the Flyers,who were tougher than them,and by the Canadiens and Oilers,who were better

[@peterlee4682]

Tremendous story! Great courage and perseverance! Most people would have given up. Thanks for another great report from Pro Hockey Alumni! Blessings to ALL!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

You are welcome. my friend ... thanks for watching and for commenting! Always good hearing from you!

[@MichaelMiller-tm2os]

It is 2022 as I write this, and Boucha is STILL a legend here in Minnesota. A couple of years ago, a kid tied his State Tournament scoring record, and Henry was there to congratulate the kid. If you love hockey and don't live in MN, plan a trip to the MN State High School Hockey Tournament. The finals are always a full house and it is amateur hockey at its finest.

[@christopherpellerito5883]

Just got the word that Henry Boucha passed away today (1951-2023.) RIP Chief.

[@baberRuth]

Hate. How could a, some jurors let Forbes go? Looks like the cameras didn't catch it. I watched his tournament games on TV. He was such a standout, I've remembered his name all these years.

[@brianbachmeier34]

New to the channel. I grew up in Minnesota and this is the first I am hearing about him. Thanks!

[@bogrot69]

This channel is bringing back so many memories for me. I was born in BC Canada and my first live games were WHA games. I caught one of the 1974 Canada v Russia games with Howe and Hull playing. I feel really old when I tell people I saw Gordie Howe playing pro 🤣I also saw the Broadstreet Bullies lay a whoopin' on the Canucks. So many great memories. Most of all I appreciate the way you honor and respect players like Henry and many others who are seldom mentioned these days. Rick Blight was one player who's life had a really sad outcome. I watched him score 2 goals against Spartak when the Canucks played them in 76. They won 2 - 0. Oddly enough, I don't enjoy the game as much as I used to.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

great comment -- thanks for leaving it. Rick Blight deserves some of my time -- great idea.

[@lespaul59burst]

Thank you so much for providing these excellent videos, I have watched them all. Please keep them coming. It's really sad what happened to Henry Boucha, he was the one that was assaulted on the ice twice and yet he was the one that treated as a criminal.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks so much for watching -- I'll continue for fans like you.

[@kwpoint]

Wow I never heard of Hank and i am a NATIVE American from Vancouver BC, why is that I never heard of him I love hockey its my favorite sport but i didn't have the money to play I wished that I could have played a and this story would have really motivated me to portray my dream. Thanks for sharing this story I will be sure to share it to my native community.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

I'm glad Henry's story had meaning for you ... I was hoping it would resonate with all fans and especially native Americans and Canadians ... Thanks for your feedback -- it is appreciated.

[@carletonrutherford1799]

I knew a guy who I was friends with back in the 80's, that went to Cambie School in Richmond, Named Lawrence Point. Really good guy. Any relation by chance?

[@kwpoint]

@@carletonrutherford1799 hay there Carl I was born in 80 so i couldn't tell ya buddy but u got my attention I will do some research on it I'm from Musqueam, and Squamish Band and Musqueam is just like 30min away from Richmond so who knows he might be a distant cuzz

[@carletonrutherford1799]

@@kwpoint I did some tile work a few years back (maybe 10 years ago) at a "Point Residence" off of Salish Drive on Musqueam land. I remembered the name because of Lawrence.

[@ryderbond472]

Thank you for posting this. I was 9 years old listening to Al Shaver's call of this game on the radio when Forbes attacked...I'll never forget it.

[@JaLa248]

I Remember that game when that happened to Boucha! Watching it on TV! With my brother. WOW! To see it again after all these years is Crazy!

[@bcask61]

These mini-documentaries are really well done. I vaguely remember a lot of these players from my early years, but a lot of this is new to me. I had forgotten about the Forbes incident. Damn, hockey was brutal back then.

[@craigfazekas3923]

During this video, I'm thinking- "wait, didn't he play for the KC Scouts ?"..... I think I have his hockey card from that era. Btw- you do a true service to these NHLers. It's always well done & respectful. You should be proud to put a spotlight on these heroes of the game !! Btw- I just attended a Hershey Bears game vs. the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Penguins, Hershey won 6-2 w 6 unanswered goals. They have something truly special happening there in Hershey & I suggest going to a game if you're able. And ticket prices are completely reasonable. AND ! the level of play is perfectly fine, not that far off from NHL skills. Totally worthwhile, my hockey friends !! 🚬😎

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks very much.Craig ... Hershey is a special place for hockey ... nothing quite like it in the AHL.

[@HawklordLI]

Yes he played for the Scouts, I went to many a Scouts games in their second and final year in KC and saw him play.

[@robertsprouse9282]

Do they have any special packages? How refreshing is that ice cold IRON CITY BEER? And, do you work in the front office?

[@craigfazekas3923]

@@robertsprouse9282 Well.... I'm sure they do have package deals. Check out their website. Beer ? Love the thought of it, but....other than an occasional beer & burger or wine with an Italian dish ? I can't drink anymore- but already drank enough in my life for 2 or 3 people. So.... And no, I am not employed there; I live 2 & 1/2 hours from Hershey. You gotta go, though !! If you're interested enough to ask ?..... Do yourself a favor & go !! Hershey Bears fans are a friendly bunch, too. You'll see. Just wear a vintage hockey jersey like I did, (North Stars) and they'll approach ya to shoot the breeze..... cool stuff. 🚬😎

[@robertsprouse9282]

@@craigfazekas3923, you didn't answer my question. DO YOU WORK IN THE FRONT OFFICE?

[@tonymazzella4812]

I went to Boucha's first game Toronto vs Detroit at the old Olympia--maybe the greatest game I ever saw live! The Leafs jumped to a 4-0 lead,to which the Wings stormed back to win 5-4. I remember Henry Boucha scoring his first career goal and retrieving it from the net,we were sitting above that end and the crowd was going wild. I never learned till now that he went so many games before scoring his next goal!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Excellent 🔥

[@GUISNIP]

What a remarkable story! Thank you for yet another great video.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks so much ... Henry's story was one worth telling ... Glad you found it to be interesting.

[@lostvlog6857]

That viciousness that went on back then was insane and the league would just look the other way.

[@jounik8980]

Crowd want blood and broken bones in arena like colosseum in 0022

[@pete5819]

The cheap hit the Edina player made & NHL player anger me greatly

[@Boris_Chang]

That Orr, Esposito, and other Bruins threatened to boycott the All-Star game because Forbes got a ten-game suspension for a brutal, vicious assault with his stick, tells me all I needed to know about the league back then. Clarence Campbell wanted everyone to look the other way, as fans (as they used to say) wanted to go to a fight, where a hockey game broke out.

[@chonconnor6144]

Really enjoying all your stories of old players before my time mostly and often overlooked in hockey history.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Love to hear from the young guns 💪 like you … thanks for watching!

[@Andy-ty2ni]

I remember his name..and the headband...but i never knew any of the rest...I actually think Henry's life is a tribute to triumph over adversity....and it was 19 minutes well spent! In my opinion a greater win than a Stanley Cup...RESPECT!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for the19 minutes and I appreciate the feedback ... Henry's story is one of many I've wanted to tell and I'm glad you found it to be of value. THX!

[@haljalykakik2384]

Henry Boucha is a legend. He was always one of my favorite North Stars players. I even had one of his headbands the North Stars used to sell at their games. It sounds like he's also a great guy as well.

[@jerry4145]

As a season ticket holder I saw almost all North Stars games. I will never forget that night. The butt-ending was the most brutal thing I've ever seen in sports. As soon as Henry hit the ice, there was a shocking silence in the crowd. You could actually hear Henry's head as Forbes was pounding it onto the ice. Forbes deserved prison time for his actions.

[@petermontagnon4440]

Take piece in your heart!!!! Stay safe, stay healthy and God bless Brother!!!!

[@keir13]

I think I’ve commented something similar to this before but I just want to reiterate how much I love your channel. I was born in 1982 and hockey has been my life for the better part of 40 years but I’ve learned more about the game pre-1982 from watching your channel than from reading about Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe et al. on repeat for years. You do an amazing job. Please keep these stories coming!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

I appreciate your kind words and passion for the game … thanks so much for sharing - greatly appreciated!

[@novaguy509]

Thanks for sharing

[@billybobking200]

Another great film! Thank for this.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thank you for watching, BBK!

[@pumpkinking5174]

Another great video! Another member of the surprise 72 US Olympic team was a 16 year old Mark Howe. IIRC, he was the youngest medal winner in US Olympic history at the time.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

... and then Howe played on Team CANADA in '74! ... heck of a nice guy, too. THX!

[@kenvelickoff4275]

Didn't have much but we had Henry Boucha

[@deanvall3784]

it was disgraceful the way the nhl handled that incident , forbes should have been banned for life.

[@willrobinson1671]

What a great, strong man. Side note. I love those see through boards. Gives the game such a free and open look. Spectators would have been able to see much more of the game, instead of reading the ads on the boards.

[@bofletcher3212]

When I was about 3 my Dad & I used to watch the Wings. He'd ask me before every game, "Do you want to be Marcel Dionne or Henry Boucha?" He said I always picked Henry because I liked his headband. I can't really remember his playing days, so this video was awesome.

[@RichStrickler]

Another awesome episode. These player profiles and accompanying backstories are wonderful. I remember Henry Boucha getting destroyed in a fight with of all people Rick MacLeish of the Flyers. MacLeish was known as a skilled player, but he could really handle himself when provoked.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks very much ... MacLeish was considered to be a good fighter, but of course he rarely had to fight. Fred Stanfield was similar. Thanks for watching!

[@craigfazekas3923]

Wanna hear a funny story ? I grew up in Cherry Hill, NJ & was Rick MacLeish's paperboy !! Lol. I delivered the Courier-Post to his house, he lived at 119 Greenvale Rd. He wore # 19 & lived at 119- I'll always remember that..... I used to have to collect money each Thurs. & Fri., and Rick would normally not answer the door, but rather his pretty wife would- not a bad deal either !! However, he did answer a few times & I got his autograph and thanked him for beating Gilles Gilbert to win the cup for all of the Delaware Valley !! He tussled my hair and said, "I'd have given my right arm to beat that damn team"...... I grew up around many of the Flyers family back then. Larry Goodenough lived on the same street as Rick, too. I pumped gas for Gene Hart in his silver Mercedes while he blasted, of all things- OPERA MUSIC !! Opera music as loud as you could imagine it !! I also went to school with 2 of Gene's kids, Sharon & Bryan. Went to school with Jamie Leach, who played for the Penguins during the Lemieux era & Jamie was Reggie Leach's son. I also met Little O- Orest Kindrachuk & Bill Barber while pumping gas back then. I grew up in a nice place back then- I now realise how fortunate I really was. It's changed now, though. It's lost it's soul & is all corporate everything & swarming with self absorbed snotty people. Still great looking women in South Jersey, though !!! 🚬😎 Thanks for bringing back this flood of memories for me, man !!!!

[@RichStrickler]

@@craigfazekas3923 Very cool stories Craig. Awesome memories, a great time to grow up in the Philly area back then. As you know, the Flyers absolutely took over the entire sports scene locally. Most of the players lived here in the off season and stayed after their careers were over. Rick was a fantastic hockey player, extremely talented and he scored some important goals in his career. Thanks for sharing those stories. Very cool stuff. Take care!!!

[@johnhanover2229]

Warroad, Mn. class act, genuinely nice guys.

[@Handsome_Gary_Kamensack]

Henry was extremely popular as a Red Wing. The first and only player to wear a headband in honor of his Native American Heritage. White for home games, red on the road. It was a miracle that hard ass ( and hated) Wings General Manager allowed him to wear it.

[@martharunstheworld]

I love his story!!! Thank you!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for watching ... Henry is a wonderful person. Appreciate your comment!

Oh geeze how I love your channel. Thanks for doing this.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

You are so welcome! Henry Boucha is a remarkable man and I'm glad you enjoyed this story.

[@alschmidt8963]

Forbes was an idiot....and to think Esposito and Orr thought that was ok for him to beat the guy with his stick and pound him into the ice is crazy....I don't have much respect for Orr any more and the NHL owes Boucha millions for the lack of respect he received.

[@henrymanzano2201]

Forbes was a pathetic sack for trying to fit in with such a trash organization. I love that Esposito got traded to the Rangers (a team he looked down his nose at) and never won a Cup,along with Vadnais...also Orr's career meeting an early end. Well deserved for all of them. 1979 was the best hockey year ever. All that said, I hope Henry Boucha gets the restitution he deserves from the league before it's too late

[@fomalhaut4]

Captivating story, well researched, great video!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Glad you enjoyed it! ... and thanks for watching!

[@Stupid_you_so_stoopid_UHF]

I met Henry one day at a bar. Talked to him for 3 hours or so . He was such a frustrated passionate man . I feel bad for men like him being screwed outta his potential. Henry you might of been wrong of hating Americans as a whole. I'm a American and the biggest thing is good people is what matters bud. May you fly away from matter to spirit and become one with the earth once again ! Should of got his signature. I did get his business card though. What a treat it really was to get a real conversation with a legend. We talked about so much stuff.

[@OldGretscher]

Thanks again for another beautiful piece! Of course I knew of the incident, but had no clue as to the severity of it's impact throughout HB's life. For me, the most surprising thing is the way he was treated by the NHL and its players. Just so very sad.....

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks again OG!

[@andicampbell8621]

Another very interesting watch. I`m loving your channel. Thanks for uploading your programmes. All the best from the other side of the Atlantic 👍

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks very much … I appreciate your support 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@svart_kors]

I love these stories and anxiously await the next video. This was a good one :)

[@michaelleroy9281]

I remember the game well January 4 1975 I'm in the Twin Cities Dave Forbes should have been banned for life from hockey for this but he wasn't it could have been another tragedy at the Met Center just like Bill Masterson in January 1968

[@twistoffate4791]

That (being banned for life ftom hockey) is the least of what should have happened to Dave Forbes. The very, VERY, least.

[@fantasea10]

Forbes, overall, was always a dirty hockey player he and Wayne Cashman. However, I loved watching Henry Boucher I used to go to the Detroit Olympia and see the games with my dad he was one of my favorite hockey players.

[@johnbrowne1050]

I went to a Redwing game back at the old Olympia. All I wanted was a head band.

[@chrisdennehy9425]

Hi, Mark, happy new year, nice video, I never knew this story very well. I thought your treatment was even handed given your affiliation with the Bruins alumni. Keep up the good work!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks my man ... and God Bless Clark Gillies.

[@chrisdennehy9425]

@@ProHockeyAlumni without a doubt -prototype of the modern power forward and simply one great human being.

[@robertsprouse9282]

@@ProHockeyAlumni, my condolences to the families of the late ISLANDER CLARK GILLIES, and the living ISLE, BOB BOURNE. BOURNE is Gillies daughter's father-in-law. GILLIES and BOURNE were first teammates at COVINGTON, VA. in the old APPALACHIAN LEAGUE of.. PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL CLUBS in 1972. They for one of the three seasons that the teenaged GILLIES played as a HOUSTON ASTROS Rookie League farmhand, were each other's platoon first basemen. Gillies also pitched as a starter in one game and did well, going six decent innings. BOURNE left baseball after a single season. After GILLIES washed out of baseball in 1972, GILLIES came back to CANADA, played JR. HOCKEY, and was drafted as a 20 year old fourth overall pick in 1974.. and, the REST IS HISTORY.. R.I.P...

[@markstephens9993]

Thank you for this! Great job and a great story.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

you are welcome .. thank you for watching!

[@davidlessard9928]

I too was at this game with my brother and my dad, I was 12 years old at the time and it shook up pretty bad over this. Henry's brother Dave worked with my dad they were and are class acts. As an X smoker when people ask when I started smoking I say 1975 at the Met Center the concourses were really small and everyone smoked back in the day...

[@martinprice9441]

I was 13 while growing up in suburban Detroit and saw the US Olympic team play the Detroit Jr Wings at Olympia before the Olympics,, then watched the 72 US team win Silver on TV in Sapporo Japan and then was at the Red Wings game vs Toronto at Olympia when Henry scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game. What the video doesn't say was that Toronto was leading 4-0 at the time and after Henry scored, the Wings rallied to win 5-4. Then, in 1979, I met Henry at a restaurant in Dearborn near Detroit and he loved it when I told I was at his first NHL game, saw his goal and said the Wings comeback that night was one of the best games the Wings ever played (well, not the falling behind 4-0 part) while growing up there

[@Homefree18]

I knew Henry personally in Warroad, you’ll never meet a nicer guy than Henry, I use to make Christian Brothers Hockey Sticks and Henry would always stop in to talk with Roger and Billy Christian (two more great Olympic athletes). Those were the days, great memories!! Warroad Minnesota known as HOCKEY TOWN USA!! RIP my friend 😢

[@ahockeyguy-bl6mt]

Thank you I also knew him

[@Homefree18]

@@ahockeyguy-bl6mt he even sold my house in Warroad back in 1990, he was great friends with my late father in-law Leonard Cole. I have his book as well, he was definitely a legend that gave so much of his time to the young hockey players, Warroad was kinda like a little family community and Henry was a huge part of making that possible! Definitely going to be missed but never forgotten!!

[@davevanwhalen2693]

Thank you for the great video I learned a lot about this player never knew. Anyways keep up the good work always enjoy your videos.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

OK ... we'll keep producing 'em -- as long as you keep watching! Thanks for your comments on the Henry Boucha video

[@normanlinden5786]

My alma mater, Norwich University, played in the ECAC Division II when Forbes was playing at AIC. I was on the radio broadcast team and the PA announcer at the home games. Forbes was one of the dirtiest players we ever faced in my four years there. It was a bitter pill for us when we lost the ECAC D-II finals 7-6 to AIC on their home ice in my senior year of 1969.

[@kds5065]

I don't think I've ever heard of Henry Boucha. Great video, but sad outcome/career for Henry. At least he's helping the communities now.

[@bitte12pouce]

Another gem. Thank you.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for watching ... and for commenting!

[@jameshorton7496]

Being a Red Wings fan, Henry was one of my favorites back then, and certainly a fan favorite. Hated to see him get traded, even though the Wings got a great goal scorer in Danny Grant. In fact, Grant is the second player to score 50 goals in a season and he did it with the Wings.

[@stephendacey8761]

What a wonderful story. This video was very well done, and I hope this channel gets more subscribers b/c it is one of the best around, and I always look forward to these amazing stories of players from years past. Keep up the great work, you deserve 1 million subscribers, at least!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thank you so much! ... Our audience is relatively small but it's filled with intelligent and passionate fans with a great appreciation of the game's history ... but, yes, it would be nice to have more along for the ride!

[@northernlight696]

Great story - thanks!

[@crawdaddy511]

Good luck henry, in your future endeavours 👍

[@HomerDPoll]

Thanks for the interesting story! Never found out about the end of this story, just remembered seeing it happen on tv. Never realized what a major POS and low life player and person Dave Forbes was and always will be!

[@colecomatt]

Great story. Before my time but so inspirational.

[@jimhabsfan]

And coach Cherry has never criticized or bad mouthed Forbes for his cowardly attack on Boucha, which proves Cherry condoned it.

[@mackjartel8791]

That’s a great video! Wild I never heard his story or about that incident.

[@exexalien]

Paused on the article at 11:14. Here's the opening two lines: *Three witnesses testified Friday that they saw Boston hockey player Dave Forbes congratulated by the Bruins bench after he attacked Minnesota North Stars player Henry Boucha. "I saw the coach (Boston's Don Cherry) put his arm around Forbes and pat him on the back," said Robert Utecht, the public address announcer for the North Stars.* All the years Cherry spent on the CBC criticizing players for taking cheap shots. What a goddamn hypocrite. Surely it couldn't have had anything to do with the fact that Boucha was Native American...(sarcasm)

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks for watching ... you definitely were paying attention!

[@stinkfinger630]

Don Cherry was one of the absolute worst influences on hockey in the 70’s and early 80’s. If not for his insipid desire to have the toughest team he could, the Bruins would have won at least another Cup. Oh, and the too many men penalty was his fault.

[@tictok9972]

Don Cherry has a reputation for being a bigot. A total knuckle dragger!!

[@williegordon7899]

If Forbes had done that to a Flyers player he would have gotten jumped and got his ass kicked. Which is what the North Stars should have done.

[@geronimo204]

And I felt bad when they got rid of Don Cherry on HNIC, aaand makes me dislike the Bruins even more

[@johnknab9994]

Outstanding!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks Knabber! Appreciate your support! Henry is quite a guy.

[@Vexableman]

God Bless you Henry

[@GabrielRodriguez-mc4me]

This is great video. I recently read the ebook version of Icing on the Plains, the story of the Scouts. The thumbnail on the video led me to believe it would be about Boucha.

[@darylhodkinson5369]

WOW very nice story ,,, had his Hockey Card .

[@Mike14G]

How strange that a 70’s Bruin attacked another player from behind, with his stick. And Terry O’Reilly jumped Boucha earlier. Cowards.

[@laurabartoletti6412]

🥅 🏒 Henry Boucha , hockey Hero, inspiration !! 👏 🦅

[@williamlarochelle3953]

Tough as nails God Bless His Soul

[@pellelindbergh4455]

another great story ,never heard of this story thank you. but you make me cry every time i watch a video so i mad at you too! lol

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks again for your kind words ... always proud to tell the stories of these great legends!

[@whome4642]

I remember watching Henry play he was my favorite right behind Mickey Redmond. I walked around with a headband a lot when I was a kid. I’m glad he’s doing well after all he’s been through.

[@marblox9300]

Chicago here. The Minnesota North Stars uniforms were among the best looking in hockey. That Minnesota Wild uniform looks stupid.

[@woxyroxme]

I grew up as a Bruins fan and remember that incident, I ended up in SW Ohio in 1973 and remember when the Cincinnati Stingers signed Dave Forbes, could not believe that they would have that dirt bag on the team. Cincinnati was too backwards for hockey so they were not familiar with his past, they had Mike Gartner, Mark Messier and Barry Melrose on the team and had an average attendance of 4000