By Kris Smith
Defender, Shawn Boutin spent two seasons as Star before moving on to play hockey where he could in the pandemic stricken world.
Boutin signed up ahead of the 2018-2019 campaign after spending the previous year with German second tier side, Dresdner Eislowen but the 28-year-old already had Elite League experience after icing for Coventry Blaze in the 2016-2017 season. #
Shawn began by discussing how he spent his extended off-season in what was a difficult time across the globe.
He said: “I spent a lot of time back home from March to November but obviously I could not see a lot of people due to COVID but I enjoyed my times with my family.
“I spent a lot of time at my cabin fishing and hunting, then we were lucky enough to start skating in July, so from July to November I was on the ice three to four times a week.”
Back in September, the Canadian signed with East Coast Hockey League side. Rapid City Rush, as the North American leagues prepared to return to action.
“The level of the ECHL was really good this year because there is only 13 teams playing and there was no American Hockey League up until February”, he said.
Boutin added: “Everything happens faster during the play, so it’s a good calibre of hockey in that league.”
However, after 18 games with the Rush, the blueliner departed and would find himself in Sweden by February.
The native of Val-d’Or, Quebec joined Swedish third tier club, Boras HC of the HockeyEttan league.
Speaking of his first experience of the Swedish game, Shawn said: “I really enjoy it here in Sweden, the setup is very professional, my teammates and the coaching staff are really good people and everybody is working hard and having fun.
“The game is more of a European style witch has a lot of skating and the system is different but it is hard to compare this season to another because of the COVID situation.
“There is some games that have been rescheduled and unfortunately there is no fans in the stands, so I do not get to experience the atmosphere of real Swedish hockey but with that being said I am still enjoying my journey here in Borås.”
Looking back on his time in Tayside, the defenseman added: “I loved my time in Dundee, it’s a great city with a lot to offer and I also enjoyed the historical part of Scotland and I will come back in the future for sure.
“The people in general are awesome people with big hearts.
“I enjoyed the packed houses against Fife most or the big wins at home against one of the big clubs.
“Just hearing the fans cheering loud every night was a big plus for us.
“Also, there is a lot of funny moments during a hockey season, most of them stay in the locker room but for sure when we did those 80´s and 90´s video we had a lot of fun.”
Boutin then recalled what was the key selling points that brought him to Dundee in the summer of 2018.
He explained: “I signed in Dundee first of all because the Stars organisation is a family starting with Omar all the way up to the owners.
“I remember my first conversation with coach Pach and I could tell he was a hard working guy, ready to do everything for the success of this club.”
Finally, Shawn shared a message for all the Stars fans back in Dundee and he said: “I want to say a big thank you to all the Stars fans and all the sponsors in Dundee, without your support, it would be impossible to do what we love for a living.
Hopefully I will see you guys again one day!
Cheers, Boots.”
Next time we will be bringing you another interview with a player from the 2019-2020 season and we will be releasing interviews every month up until the start of the next campaign.
If you want to play a special part in the historic 20th Dundee Stars season then you can sign up to join the Gold Club by contacting: [email protected]
