Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser admitted he didn’t have the season he hoped for last year.
In 71 games with the Canucks, the 25-year-old winger had 23 goals and 23 assists for a total of 46 points, which was the lowest points-per-game average of his five-year career.
“It was a tough year. I felt like it could have been better for the team,” Boeser said at Sunday’s season-ending news conference. “When Bruce [Boudreau] He took care [as coach], I think I started to find my game and score goals and have confidence again. There are some things off the track that were tough this year, so it was definitely a challenging year.”
When asked about specific ways he could improve his game, Boeser referred to being a more well-rounded two-way player.
“I only play 200 feet, I think you know, I really prided myself last year and made sure you knew I was getting the D zone. I know I felt like I wasn’t that good in the zone this year and little details like that and showing up consistently,” Boeser said. “I to think Yes I may fix that Y be plus consistent for East team, us I might get an few plus win.”
When asked specifically about the health of his father, Duke, Boeser began to get emotional. Boeser had previously shared details about her father living with Parkinson’s in 2020, but had mostly kept matters private.
“Next question,” defenseman Quinn Hughes said.
“No, I can answer that,” said an emotional Boeser before a long pause.
Prayers for Brock Boeser and his entire family. 🙏♥️ #Canucks pic.twitter.com/htYeafzwfF
— Tim and his friends (@timandfriends) May 1, 2022
“He’s not doing well,” Boeser added. “Hme has quite evil dementia straight now. It is start. It’s gotten pretty, pretty bad this year. It’s really hitting me hard.”
Canucks fans were steadfast in their support of the Boeser family.
I just want to give Brock Boeser the biggest hug right now. Canucks fans love you 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/Q4U7edDYZI
– Sydney (@simpforquinn) May 1, 2022
My heart goes out to Brock Boeser. It’s some perspective that we fans need. To his credit, he’s never used his father’s difficult battle with cancer and Parkinson’s as an excuse, but you know he can’t be far from his mind. All you can do is wish them both the best. #Canucks
— JABO Vancouver (@jabo_vancouver) May 1, 2022
Do you want to give Brock Boeser a hug?
— Socialist hockey guy (@coiled_potency) May 1, 2022
All my love and thoughts right now are with Brock Boeser and his family ♥️
— Joshua Griffith (@JoshuaGriffith0) May 1, 2022
sending love to brock boeser ❤️
—Tommy 🇺🇦 (@tommykippes2) May 1, 2022
Boeser’s teammates on the podium side were also clearly affected by the moment.
“We’re going to need Brock to be really good if we want to be good,” Hughes said. “I think it’s important for him to get back to his home in Minnesota and spend quality time with his family and enjoy the summer and then come back ready to go. I think he will do that. He is a motivated boy. And he will be fine. He’s going to come back, he’s going to have a great year next year.”
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Reference-dailyhive.com