Dec 5, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk (55) reacts after being checked by Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Johnny Boychuk is one of those players that always takes times for the fans. He’s a good man who just happens to be a professional athlete. Johnny Boychuk was put into the boards by Max Pacioretty into the boards about five and a half minutes into the first period. We all know what kind of beast Boychuk is on the ice. He usually takes and gives massive hits but comes up smiling and even apologizing to other players he hits. This time, there were no smiles. It was a scary few moments seeing Boychuk gasping for breath.
Boychuk was obviously badly hurt. Both teams’ trainers were on the ice to see what they could do to help. They did what they could on the ice, but the call was made to put Boychuk on a stretcher and prepare him for transport to the hospital. (At this point, I want to mention that several Habs fans chose to call me out on why I chose to write a scathing article on the Canadiens. The fact that the Bell Centre was filled with Habs fans who were booing Johnny Boychuk as the trainers were working on him validated my opinion of them and their team tonight.)
This a report from the Twitter account of Boychuk’s brother Sam. (It seems all the Boychuks seem to be profoundly nice people.)