Falcons beef up the blueline
A casual conversation netted the St. Catharines Falcons another piece to what they hope is a championship puzzle.
Falcons coach/general manager Frank Girhiny was shooting the breeze with the Stratford Warriors when Nicholas Boehmer’s name came up.
The Warriors were looking to move an import and Girhiny was quick to make a deal to acquire the rugged rearguard.
“We were looking to get a couple of more guys to add a veteran presence,” Girhiny said. “We were struggling to get that but as the year goes on things shake down.
“He was in Stratford and he’s played in this league before and we knew him when he was in Welland.”
Boehmer, a 20-year-old native of Waterdown, gives the Falcons some much needed depth on the blue-line.
“That’s what we were looking for,” Girhiny said. “He’s a veteran who skates well and who’s very physical. He’s going to be a warrior for us as the season goes on and in the playoffs and that’s exactly what we need.”
Boehmer was caught off guard by the news of the deal, but more than willing to make the move.
“It was a bit of a surprise. I didn’t see it coming at all but you take it as it comes and take it one step at a time,” he said. “This is a great team. It’s not like I was going to a team that’s struggling to get by. They are established.”
Boehmer began his junior career with the Welland Junior Canadians before ending up in Stratford.
His familiarity with the Golden Horseshoe Conference has helped with the transition.
“I remember when I was in Welland and we were always having trouble against them (Falcons),” Boehmer said. “It definitely did help. It feels like coming back home after playing for two years there.”
Boehmer made his Falcons debut Nov. 30 in a 4-3 win over Pelham and has picked up two assists in four games with St. Catharines.
“He’s fit in really good,” Girhiny said. “He’s a real nice young man, so from a dressing room standpoint, he’s fit in really well. From a game standpoint we’re just starting to see him more and more game in and game out. He plays with a lot of passion.”
Boehmer, who is listed at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, prefers to take care of his own end first.
“Always stay at home,” he said when asked to describe his level of play. “I play it simple and do whatever the coach asks me to do.”
Boehmer has been paired with Tanner Main since his arrival.
“They are starting to find each other. As they continue to play better, they will get better as a pairing,” Girhiny said.
Boehmer’s arrival gives the Falcons a nice balance on the defence.
“I really like the makeup and balance of our back end,” Girhiny said. “We have more maturity with our youth and the balance of a stay-at-home defencemen with an offensive style, so it’s shaping up well.”
Boehmer, who has plans to become a firefighter, has one goal remaining for his final season of junior hockey.
“It’s my last year so I have to make it worth it,” he said. “I’ve played since I was four or five years old and I have to make it all worth it. To come out with a Sutherland Cup would be a dream for sure.”
The Falcons, 19-3-0-2, visit the Thorold Blackhawks Thursday and host the Lockport Regals Friday.
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