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College Catch-Up: Nicholas Boka

By USAHockeyNTDP.com, 10/15/18, 2:30PM EDT

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Photo credit: Darryl Marshke/Michigan Athletics

Photo credit: Darryl Marshke/Michigan Athletics

Even before joining its National Team Development Program, Nicholas Boka’s roots traced back to USA Hockey.

The current Michigan Wolverines senior defenseman remembers learning to skate on sheets of ice in Plymouth, Michigan. He holds trophies from house league championships with local youth hockey program Compuware. He admired prospects on the Plymouth Whalers shaping their NHL futures at Compuware Arena (now USA Hockey Arena).

“I guess I’ve always been a little hometown boy,” Boka said. “It allowed me to be a little more comfortable just knowing the area. Guys looked to me for spots early on — going out to eat, directions and stuff.”

NTDP Career

  • Years: 2013-15
  • Games: 106
  • Goals: 11
  • Assists: 19
  • Points: 30
  • Notes: Captured gold at the 2015 Under-18 World Junior Championship ... Won gold at the 2014 Under-17 World Junior Championship

His parents — Don and Lora Boka — lived a quick 20-minute hike up M-14 away from his spot with the NTDP in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“I don’t think they missed a game,” Boka said. “Still haven’t.”

The next stop, however, could be a challenge.

Boka became a sixth-round selection of the Minnesota Wild in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The ice at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul is a long way from the state he’s called his hockey home for 21 years.

“It’s nice to play in front of family and friends,” Boka said. “But hopefully they’ll get the chance one day to see me play up in Minnesota.”

The 2015 draft class featured a bevy of talent from the NTDP, including first-round picks Jack Eichel, Zach Werenski, Noah Hanifin, Colin White and Jack Roslovic. As the names of his former teammates continued to roll in over the speakers at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, Boka sensed his frustration growing. So, he relied on a piece of advice he’d heard throughout his tenure with the NTDP.

“When I was (with the NTDP), a big thing was it doesn’t get easier,” Boka said. “If you want to make it to the NHL, you’ve got to find ways to get better and better.”

Instead of getting caught up in the late-round label, Boka turned it into a driving force to help him get to the next level.

“I took it as motivation,” Boka said. “Luckily, I ended up in a great spot.”

Minnesota, however, is still a long way out. Boka said his sole focus is his senior campaign manning Michigan’s blue line. The Wolverines faced off against the NTDP’s Under-18 Team in an exhibition matchup Friday night in Ann Arbor.

“I remember how hard (the College Series games) were,” Boka said of his second year with the NTDP, which featured opponents such as Minnesota, North Dakota and Michigan, among others. “It’s huge for their development as players and what it takes to play at the next level.”


Nicholas Boka with Team USA during a game Sept. 3, 2014

It’s nice to play in front of family and friends,” Boka said. “But hopefully they’ll get the chance one day to see me play up in Minnesota.

Not only did the NCAA slate provide Boka a glimpse of top competition, but also a segue into his own collegiate career.

“I think it was huge,” Boka said. “Coming from the NTDP playing college games, it made that transition a lot easier.”

Boka and the Wolverines return to the ice Friday (Oct. 19) against in-state foe Western Michigan, while the NTDP prepares for a pair of Friday night road tilts against the Central Illinois Flying Aces (U17s) and Boston University (U18s).


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