Veteran Talk: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins: Boris Katchouk
After a win, a shut-out win, against a divisional opponent, Olde City Sports Network sat down with a veteran player on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins- Boris Katchouk.
It took three seasons playing in the AHL before Katchouk would see the main stage of hockey, the NHL. Katchouk has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, and Ottawa Senators. In 176 NHL games, He has tallied 15 goals and 21 assists in those games played. Katchouk touches on his “Welcome to the NHL” moment for him: “My first game was against Ovechkin and the Caps. He was my favorite player growing up, so that was my like, welcome to NHL moment; I’m playing against Ovi”
Being placed on waivers is a process that is used quite frequently by teams to either terminate a contract, trade a player, or send a player to the minor leagues. Katchouk experienced being placed on waivers in the 2023-2024 season when Chicago put him on waivers, and he was picked up by the Ottawa Senators. “Definitely not a fun part of the job, that's for sure, but it's part of the process and luckily enough, I got picked up by Ottawa on waivers and finished the season out really well last year. Gained a little confidence with the new team.”
Being a veteran in the sport, a player can provide tips and tricks, as well as mentorship in the locker room and outside of the locker room. Katchouk provides just that to the younger guys in the locker room this season. “Just always talking. always keeping it positive. Making sure whatever questions they have, you know, I can answer it for them and whatever they need, help be there for them, no matter what.”
Creating chemistry with your linemates is something that is done at a gradual pace throughout the season. “It's always just talking to each other. That's the biggest thing looking through video always having each other's backs. You can't always have the best chemistry with everyone, but sometimes you gel a lot quicker with other guys, but it always takes time”
Most players do not automatically get to the NHL; most do have to work through the minor leagues and eventually earn a spot or multiple recalls to the NHL. Katchouk played in both the AHL and the NHL, and playing at both levels shaped his game into the player that he is today. “Roles change all the time. It’s about adaptability and playing your game however you want to show it; always have confidence in it right now.”
Katchouk is a decently sized forward and has great offensive instincts on the ice and during play. He has a good pace of speed to his game. He isn’t an overly physical player, but he will not back down when it comes to defending his teammates. During the current season, Katchouk has dressed in 40 games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and has tallied 15 goals with 22 assists.
-Samantha Wismer/ OCSN
Photo Creds: Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins