Former Rambler Matthew Hunter presented with BBHAF scholarship

Former Amherst Ramblers defenseman Matthew Hunter was presented with his Bob Boucher Hockey Assistance Fund (BBHAF) scholarship for the 2023-24 season during a pre-game ceremony at the Amherst Stadium on Saturday evening as the Ramblers hosted the Grand Falls Rapids. The scholarship was presented by BBHAF board members Brian O’Byrne and Tim Ripley, as well as Amherst Ramblers President Ron Lake.

The late Mr. Boucher was a coach and executive, working at levels ranging from Nova Scotia Intermediate to the NHL throughout his long career. He coached the St. Mary’s (SMU) Huskies for 13 years and led the team to the National Championship game in four consecutive seasons from 1970 to 1973. In total, his Huskies teams captured seven AUS championships. Mr. Boucher was inducted into the SMU Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. The scholarship was established in his name several years ago by several of Mr. Boucher’s former players as a means to support students within the game who have displayed exceptional academic achievements.

Hunter is enrolled at Mount Allison University where he has excelled in his studies, making the Dean’s List, and has received numerous scholarships including the 2022-23 MHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award. Ramblers Head Coach and General Manager Phil Fife says this man was always out in the community volunteering his time and has been a role model to numerous children and adults in Amherst.

The MHL and the Bob Boucher Hockey Assistance Fund congratulate Matthew Hunter on this scholarship.

Former Amherst Rambler Matthew Hunter is presented with the 2023-24 Bob Boucher Hockey Assistance Fund scholarship by BBHAF board members Brian O’Byrne and Tim Ripley, as well as Ramblers President Ron Lake (far right) (Photo: Paul Morrison Photography)

Previous winners of the Bob Boucher Hockey Assistance Fund Scholarship:

- 2022-23 – Zach Bishop (Fredericton Red Wings)
- 2021-22 – Bryce Thomson (Grand Falls Rapids)
- 2020-21 – Chris McQuaid (Summerside Western Capitals)
- 2019-20 – Drew Toner (Grand Falls Rapids)
- 2018-19 – Gabriel Vanier (Edmundston Blizzard)
- 2017-18 – Luke MacMillan (Truro Bearcats)
- 2016-17 – Sam Cameron (Woodstock Slammers)
- 2015-16 – Thomas Stavert (Summerside Western Capitals)
- 2014-15 – Lucas Sangster (Amherst Ramblers)