Edmonton's Own NHL Star Johnny Boychuk Named Edmonton Indy Grand Marshal

Johnny Boychuk

FranÃ§ois Dumontier, President of Octane Motorsports Events, promoter of the Edmonton Indy, is proud to announce that defenseman Johnny Boychuk of the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins has been named Grand Marshall of the event scheduled for July 22-24 at City Centre Airport. A native of Edmonton, the 27-year-old player will be in his hometown for the most spectacular weekend of the summer, not only fulfilling official duties, but also meeting hockey fans at the Allstate All-Canadians booth on site.

"In the past, the Edmonton Indy has selected local personalities who succeeded on the sport scene, elsewhere in North America or in the world. We are glad to maintain this tradition especially a few weeks after two Edmonton natives including Johnny Boychuk won the coveted Stanley Cup," stated today FranÃ§ois Dumontier. "We are extremely happy that Johnny has accepted our invitation and will attend the race with his family. We invite all Edmontonians, those who have known him since he was in minor hockey and those who have not yet met our Grand Marshall, to congratulate him for now having another Edmonton name engraved on the famed Cup."

Following his years as a Bantam and Midget Player with the Edmonton Cycle clubs of the AMBHL and the AMHL, Boychuk joined the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL where he played two and a half seasons, before he moved to the Moose Jaw Warriors. He was a second round pick of the Colorado Avalanche at the 2002 NHL Entry draft and played in the AHL for four seasons before he was traded to the Boston Bruins organization in June 2008.

"I would like to thank the event promoter for offering me this official function. I am thrilled to act as the Official Grand Marshall for the Edmonton Indy. As a proud Edmontonian, it's a huge privilege to be given this honor and I look forward to it," said Boychuk.

It will not be only media representatives and dignitaries who will have the opportunity to congratulate Boychuk while he attends the Edmonton Indy. Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, in co-operation with the National Hockey League Players Association, is inviting the fans to meet Johnny on-site at the Allstate All-Canadians booth Saturday July 23, between 12 noon and 1:00 pm. The Stanley Cup champion will be posing for pictures with fans who share a passion for motorsports and hockey.