Have you seen a player pick a part of the net, and hit that spot 9 times out of 10? Well, that’s what a potential first round draftee in Mavrik Bourque can do. Bourque hails from Gatineau, QC, CAN, and was born on January 8, 2002. If you failed to say Happy Birthday to him in January, well you can do that now, as he is definitely a player to watch come draft time when Chuck Fletcher is on the clock. This Canadian native found a passion, and a love for the sport of hockey at a very young age, and as a matter of fact I’m sure he started skating when he was just 2-3 years old. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Shawinigan Cataractes for the 2019-20 season, where he torched the league (29g,42a in 71 games played). Bourque is a natural goal scorer, not just a playmaker, and a sniper the Flyers could use in the future. He is an excellent two-way player that sees the ice extremely well. Bourque makes crisp passes through tight spaces, and has a great hockey IQ. By the time players try to defend him, more often than not, he’s blown by them, “My goal is to make the NHL, become a good player, and win a Stanley Cup” Bourque said to me in an interview, “I’m pretty happy, as I have become a good two-way player. I was more confident with the puck last season. I went to the gym, and ate right. I hope to become faster and stronger.”
Bourque’s hockey IQ is off the charts, and he has keen hockey sense. He stands at 5’10” and weighs 165 pounds, but his commitment to the game is also what makes him stand out. Bourque knows he has to get bigger and stronger, plus he’s only 18 so he might grow a few inches more, as well, “I like the gym in the offseason,” Bourque said, “The game is getting way faster, so I pay attention to details. It’s a dream to be drafted into the NHL. I’m really excited about this moment, and my family is too. Whether, it’s virtual or whatever I will be happy to be drafted.”
Bourque continued, “When I was young I played with coach, and he helped me become the player I am today. My parents support me all the time. They have helped me so much. I loveeee sushi (Laughing), also rice with steak.”
The young 18-year-old prospect in Bourque has great creativity with his skating, a player that has good edgework and agility. He is so tough to move off the puck, as well, but he makes quick cuts, and changes direction well. Bourque reminds me a lot of Jakub Voracek with the way he lowers his body to protect the puck, and eventually blows by them in the end for the easy goal. He just knows where to be and when, then pick his shot at the net, “One day I will play for this team, I’m a good player, and hope to win a Stanley Cup.”
This 18-year old, young prospect knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him this past season. Moreover, he worked very hard in the off-season, and was able to improve his game tremendously for the 2019-20 season. Bourque is a speedster, is physical, and accelerates like the breeze of the wind. Moreover, Bourque doesn’t sit around puck watching, has a killer shot, and can transition with the best of them. He’s one of the most talented players in the draft with transitioning from defense to offense.
Bourque has really opened some eyes, and showcased his skills as he’s on the cusp of fulfilling his dream of getting drafted into the NHL. His effort, and dedication for the sport of hockey really sets himself apart from other prospects. Maybe Bourque is meant to be a Flyer, “The fans look like they like their team,” Bourque said, “In 2010, the fans loved Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell, and Simon Gagne. They love their players, always cheer. I’m a good two-way player that anticipates plays.”
