Paul André Boutilier (born May 3, 1963) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played with several National Hockey League teams in the 1980s. He was a member of the 1983 Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders.

Playing career

Boutilier was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He starred in the QMJHL with the Sherbrooke Castors in the early 1980s. In 1982, he helped the team reach the Memorial Cup finals, however, his team lost to the Kitchener Rangers. He was named to the tournament all-star team, and was voted a first-team all-star by the QMJHL. Chosen 21st overall by the New York Islanders in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft (ahead of such future NHL stars as Chris Chelios and John Vanbiesbrouck), Boutilier split his first full pro season between the Islanders and the CHL's Indianapolis Checkers. He did, however, have his name inscribed on the Stanley Cup in 1983 after appearing in two playoff games for the champion Isles. He also attended McGill University during the offseasons.

Paul Boutilier

Boutilier became a regular on the Islanders' blueline in 1984–85 and recorded a career-best 35 points. He scored 34 points the next year and showed a willingness to play rough in his own zone. Over the next four years his play was less consistent. He moved around the league with the Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, and three different minor pro clubs. He retired in 1990 after spending most of the year in Switzerland with SC Bern.

Paul Boutilier

Coaching

Boutilier was named St. Mary's (AUAA) assistant coach prior to the 1991–92 season and remained in that position through 1992–93. He was promoted to head coach prior to 1993–94 season and remained in that position through 1996–97.

Paul Boutilier

Post-hockey

After retiring from hockey, Boutilier became a regular on the Canadian curling circuit, serving as head of the World Curling Tour and World Curling Players' Association.

He currently teaches International Marketing at the University of Prince Edward Island and is the Director of Defence Development & Analytics for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL. In 2015, he was named assistant coach of the Sea Dogs.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards & honors

QMJHL First All-Star Team (1982) QMJHL Emile Bouchard Trophy (Defenseman of Year) 1981-82 Memorial Cup Tournament All-Star Team (1982) 1983 Stanley Cup- New York Islanders AHL First All-Star Team (1989) Inducted to Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame, 1994

References

External links

Hockey Draft Central

1963 births

Living people

Athabasca University alumni

Boston Bruins players

Canadian ice hockey defencemen

Canadian people of Acadian descent

Colorado Rangers players

Indianapolis Checkers (CHL) players

Sportspeople from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Maine Mariners (AHL) players

Minnesota North Stars players

Moncton Hawks players

National Hockey League first-round draft picks

New Haven Nighthawks players

New York Islanders draft picks

New York Islanders players

New York Rangers players

People from Sydney, Nova Scotia

Saint-Jean Castors players

SC Bern players

Sherbrooke Castors players

Stanley Cup champions

Winnipeg Jets (1979–1996) players

Ice hockey people from Nova Scotia

Academic staff of the University of Prince Edward Island

ZSC Lions players

Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in Switzerland