Henry Boucha

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameHenry Charles•Boucha
Used nameHenry•Boucha
Nick/petnamesThe Chief
Born1 June 1951 in Warroad, Minnesota (USA)
Died18 September 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)
Measurements186 cm / 84 kg
AffiliationsUS Army, (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

A full-blooded Chippewa Indian, Henry Boucha was such a star in Minnesota high school hockey that he skipped college and went straight to Junior A hockey in Canada. He played in 1969-70 for the Winnipeg Jets before joining the U.S. National team. He represented the country at the 1970 and 1971 World Championships as well as the 1972 Olympics. Boucha was signed by the Detroit Red Wings after the Olympics and he played quite well for them for most of three seasons.

In 1974 Boucha was signed by the Minnesota North Stars but missed half of the season due to an eye injury which required surgery. Boucha was in a fight with the Bruins Dave Forbes and Forbes jammed the butt end of his stick into Boucha’s eye. Criminal assault charges were filed against Forbes, the first time this occurred from an injury in a sports event. The trial ended in a hung jury.

Boucha sued Forbes, the Bruins, and the NHL and reportedly received a settlement of more than $1 million. The eye injury hampered his effectiveness and he retired after the 1976-77 season. In 1995 he became the first Native American to be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

After his playing career ended Boucha was Indian Education Director at Warroad Public Schools, coached youth hockey and worked in real estate. He was a lifelong activist for Native American rights.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1972 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey (Ice Hockey) USA Henry Boucha
Ice Hockey, Men (Olympic) United States 2 Silver