Henry Boucha Autographed Puck and Photograph

At Sunday's Fargo Force game, there was a special appearance by former NHL-er Henry Boucha, who was selling copies of his autobiography, as well as signing autographs for the fans. Of course, being the collector that I am, I had to get something signed, and brought along a Minnesota North Stars puck.

While I wasn't necessarily interested in the book, I still was able to send some cash his way by purchasing this photograph of him with the Minnesota North Stars, which he signed and personalized to me.

Considered by many to be one of the greatest high school hockey players in Minnesota's history, Boucha gained national recognition as a member of Team USA at the 1972 Winter Olympics. He scored 2 goals and 4 assists in 6 games, and was drafted 16th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1971 NHL Draft, and made his NHL debut after the '72 Olympics were over, playing 16 games at the end of the 1971-72 season. He would eventually play six seasons in the NHL with the Red Wings, Minnesota North Stars, Kansas City Scouts, and Colorado Rockies, but an eye injury forced him to end his career early in 1976.

A full-blooded Ojibwe, Boucha hails from Warroad, MN, a small town known for its ability to churn out Olympic hockey players. In addition to the Silver-Medal-winning Boucha, there's also Gordon Christian (Silver, 1956), Bill Christian (Gold, 1960), Roger Christian (Gold, 1960), Dave Christian (Gold, 1980), Gisele "Gigi" Marvin (Women's Silver, 2010 & 2014), and T.J. Oshie (2014). Boucha, as well as Dave, Bill, and Roger Christian, are all members of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

 We don't usually get a lot of autograph opportunities up here in the Fargo/Moorhead area, but when we do, it's nice to have that opportunity with somebody so successful and highly regarded in his sport.