Bison's Boyer fueled by faith

By Amy Winter / Bloomington Bison

Behind each player is a motivator that keeps them playing their game. Behind every check, penalty, and goal is a mindset that keeps the player doing what they love. For Bison forward Josh Boyer, his faith is what keeps him coming back to the ice game-in and game-out. 

Born in Wasilla, Alaska, Boyer was raised in a Christian household with a large family. Throughout his hockey journey, Boyer’s mindset has been one that is centered in his relationship with his family as well as his faith. 

“Growing up with four brothers and growing up in a Christian household with six siblings, I’ve always taken the approach that these are my brothers in the locker room,” commented Boyer. “So, protecting them has always been a priority of mine.”

The 25-year-old played in the North American Hockey League in 2016, skating in 20 games for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. In the 2017-18 season, Boyer went to the Brookings Blizzard where he led the team in goals, assists and penalty minutes. With these stats, Boyer was named to the NAHL All-Central Division Team and NAHL Second All-Star Team this season. 

In 2018-19, Boyer transitioned to the United States Hockey League where he played for the Madison Capitols and Sioux City Musketeers before beginning his NCAA career. He played for the University of Nebraska-Omaha for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons before transferring to St. Lawrence University for the following three seasons. During the 2022-23 season, Boyer co-led his team in games played on and continued to display his work ethic.

Following his collegiate career, Boyer made his ECHL debut in the 2023-24 season where he played eight games for the Atlanta Gladiators. He began this season with Atlanta, where he played 11 games with the Gladiators before coming to Bloomington. 

“I tried to acquire him about two weeks into the season, but they kind of backed off. Then again, they circled back with use and as soon as they did, we jumped right on,” Head Coach and General Manager Phillip Barski recalled. “Even though in Atlanta he had zero points, if you looked at the way he impacted the game, we thought his game would translate very well to our level.”

The 6-foot-3 center has played 30 games with the Bison this season. While scoring nine goals and three assists, Boyer credits his faith for his hockey success.

“For me, I just approach it with open hands. I take the success when it comes as a blessing and I really thank God for that,” said Boyer. “I wouldn’t be here without him. But then in the low times I think it’s really important to be steadfast in that and trust that there’s good coming from it.”

While totaling 12 points this season, Boyer’s contributions on the ice are not only reflected through his offense but the way he backs his teammates. Known for this versatility offensively, he is highly regarded among those in the Bison organization.

“In all facets of the game; whether it’s faceoffs or defensively, on the ice he plays through guys, he finishes his checks,” said Barski. “He’s a very honest player. He’s very defensively sound. His fingerprints are all over our group.”

During his time in Bloomington, Boyer has not only impressed on the ice as his coaches and teammates acknowledge his leadership on and off the bench throughout each and every game.

“He’s a leader for us on the bench, on the ice, in the dressing room, in the community, everywhere,” commented Barski. “I just can’t say enough positive things about how he’s impacted our group. We are very fortunate that he’s a Bison.”

From joining the Bison mid-season, Boyer has made an impact on those within his team on the ice and in the locker room. With much of the season ahead, the centerman uses his faith as motivation to play at a different caliber. Bloomington fans can see Boyer take the ice this Friday during Faith and Family Night as the Bison look to gain momentum for a postseason push.