SUNRISE, Fla. — Brock Boeser’s priorities go well beyond the world of hockey.
The six-foot right-winger was selected 23rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night at the NHL Draft, but he’s also looking forward to starting at the University of North Dakota in the fall.
“I’m really, really excited just to get to that school and start playing hockey,” said Boeser, who has not declared a major but says he’s leaning toward business or marketing.
Boeser has had an impressive amateur career, playing for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League. He ranked third in the USHL with 68 points (35 goals, 33 assists). He also won gold with the United States at the 2014 World Jr. A Challenge.
“Getting a college degree is important to me,” said Boeser, who says he has been asked to go to the Canadian Hockey League but decided to stick with the NCAA. “Just getting it for life after hockey. It’s not all hockey your whole life.”
Boeser has drawn some of his motivation from his father Duane Boeser, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease five years ago. The younger Boeser was accompanied to the draft in Sunrise, Fla., by his parents, siblings and some cousins.
“It’s definitely emotional,” said Boeser. “I couldn’t have done it without all the support of my friends and family. It just means a whole ton to me right now.”
Vancouver has seven picks remaining on the second day of the draft. The Canucks have a spot in each of the six remaining rounds with two in the fifth round.
