On February 22, 1972, just ten days after skating for Team USA at the Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan, Henry Boucha made his long-awaited NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings.
Boucha had helped the Americans capture a silver medal at the Olympics, and his transition to the NHL couldn’t have started in more dramatic fashion. Facing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Olympia, the Red Wings quickly fell behind 4-0. But midway through the second period, Boucha sparked a comeback with his very first NHL goal at 9:47, beating legendary goalie Jacques Plante. Assists went to Mickey Redmond and Bob Wall.
Detroit rallied with four more unanswered goals to complete a thrilling 5-4 win. Although Boucha’s first season saw him record just that lone point in 16 games, he returned in 1972-73 to score 14 goals over 73 games, earning enough attention to place ninth in Calder Trophy voting for rookie of the year.
Boucha’s professional career spanned 247 NHL games from 1971-72 to 1976-77 with the Red Wings, Minnesota North Stars, Kansas City Scouts, and Colorado Rockies. Though injuries prevented him from ever reaching the playoffs, he also spent part of 1975–76 in the WHA with the Minnesota Fighting Saints.
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