Terrier Alumni Spotlight: Austin Bourhis
The third instalment of the Terrier Alumni Spotlight is former defenceman, SJHL champion, from Kipling Saskatchewan, Austin Bourhis. A 6’0, 185lbs, Austin was a very physical defenceman for the Terriers. He brought his hard-hitting style of play every night which made him a key contributor on the back end. Bourhis spent time in the WHL with the Prince Albert Raiders and the Moose Jaw Warriors in between his time with the Terriers.
Bourhis saw his first SJHL action at 16 years of age in 2008/09 suiting up for three games that season with the Terriers. In the three games he recorded one penalty. His next season at age 17, he was a regular playing in the Terriers lineup, suiting up for 56 games, registering 7 goals, 14 assists for 21 points. Even as a 17-year-old Bourhis wasn’t afraid to back down from anyone, collecting 143 penalty minutes.
After his first full season in the SJHL, Bourhis made the jump to the WHL and joined the Prince Albert Raiders playing in 49 games as an 18-year-old. During that season, Bourhis recorded 7 assists and 145 penalty minutes. The following season, Bourhis suited up for 63 games with the Raiders and recorded 2 assists and 129 penalty minutes. In his last season of junior hockey, Bourhis played 4 games with the Moose Jaw Warriors before joining the Terriers for his 20-year-old campaign.
Bourhis’ 20-year-old season would be one to remember. He brought a very physical aspect to the Terriers back end. Bourhis suited up for 47 season games, registering 5 goals, 16 assists for 21 points and also adding 147 penalty minutes. Bourhis was a very popular player on the team, sticking up for anyone at any time. Bourhis, who just had one of his best junior seasons points wise, wasn’t done yet.
After the regular season ended it was time for the playoffs. Bourhis suited up for all the playoff games that year recording 1 goal, 7 assists and 18 penalty minutes in that historic run by the Terriers. Bourhis’ only goal came in game 6 in Yorkton, during the league final against the Humboldt Broncos. That goal helped the Terriers become Canalta Cup champions for the first time since the 2005-06 season.
After winning the Canalta Cup, Bourhis and the Terriers headed off to Nanaimo, B.C. Unfortunately for Bourhis and the Terriers, the season ended in the second qualifying game for Nationals, losing 1-0 to the eventual national champions Brooks Bandits.
After his junior career ended, Bourhis continued his education and his hockey career be joining the University of Regina Cougars. Bourhis played 5 seasons with the Cougars, dressing in 111 games, while registering 12 goals, 19 assists for 31 points and 411 penalty minutes.
Q and A with Austin Bourhis
1.Name and years played with the Terriers?
2009-2010, and 2012-2013
2. Favourite memory during your time with the Terriers?
Winning playoff series’ on the road, and winning the SJHL title in 2013.
3. Toughest SJHL opponent and hardest rink to play in?
Never liked playing in Nipiwin, always found it hard to play in that rink and could never seem to have a good game there.
4. How did your time with the Terriers help get you to where you are today?
Teamwork, accountability, and hard work leads to a successful team and someone who succeeds in life.
5. Favourite TV show or movie?
Boondock Saints
6. What are you up to these days?
Married, living in Pilot Butte with my wife Kelly, dog, and cat, working as a Corrections Officer.
7. What are your plans for the next 3-5 years?
Hopefully start a family, do some house renos, and maybe some travelling.
8. Favourite athlete of all time?
Wendel Clark
9. Favourite Meal/Food?
Steak and potatoes
10. Favourite Music/Musician?
Shinedown and Jason Aldean
11. What are some of your hobbies?
Golfing, fishing, hunting, and trying not to get fat.
12. Favourite sport other than hockey?
Golf and baseball
Additional Comments:
I still follow the team every year! Great to still see the strong community support and what the Terrier Alumni is doing for the organization. Look forward to watching some games in the future.
Picture: Peter Baron Photoghraphy