Boko Imama’s journey to the Ottawa Senators has been far from easy. The 24-year-old forward has faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but his determination and resilience have brought him to where he is today.
Imama’s love for hockey began at a young age, growing up in Montreal, Quebec. He quickly became a standout player in the minor leagues, catching the attention of scouts and earning a spot on the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
However, Imama’s path to the NHL was not without its obstacles. In his second season with the Sea Dogs, he was traded to the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, a move that he initially struggled with. But Imama used this as motivation to work even harder and prove himself on the ice.
His hard work paid off when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the sixth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Imama was ecstatic to have his dream of playing in the NHL within reach, but his journey was far from over.
During his time in the Kings’ organization, Imama faced discrimination and racism, both on and off the ice. He was subjected to racial slurs and even had a banana thrown at him during a game. But instead of letting these incidents bring him down, Imama used them as fuel to continue pushing towards his goal.
In 2018, Imama was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he continued to work hard and improve his game. And finally, in 2021, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators, where he made his NHL debut on April 10th against the Montreal Canadiens.
Imama’s journey to the NHL has been filled with adversity, but he has never let it define him. He has shown incredible strength and determination, and his story serves as an inspiration to many.
As he continues to make his mark in the NHL, Imama hopes to use his platform to raise awareness about racism and discrimination in hockey and society as a whole. He wants to be a role model for young players of color and show them that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.
Boko Imama’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, he never gave up on his dream of playing in the NHL. And now, as a member of the Ottawa Senators, he is ready to make the most of this opportunity and continue to inspire others with his story.
