Coming to us from Plymouth, Michigan, is 24-year-old forward Luke Boka. Luke is a key player for the Solar Bears. Be prepared to see fast skating and good plays when he is on the ice. Since he started with the Solar Bears in the 2021-22 season, Boka has played 135 games scoring 22 goals and 24 assists. Prior to his time in the ECHL, Boka played in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the Windsor Spitfires, where he was named captain in his fourth year with the team. Also, while with the Spitfires, he set an all-time record with the most games played in Windsor Spitfires’ history. In total, he played 313 games, with the team producing 140 points (60g-80a) and 183 penalty minutes. Boka was with the Spitfires when they lifted the Memorial Cup in 2017.
Boka was on the ice for 68 games this past 2022-23 season and scored six goals and sixteen assists. In December of 2022, the Orlando Solar Bears hosted their yearly Teddy Bear Toss, where Luke, for the second year in a row, scored the first goal of the game to send bears flying through the air and onto the ice. Luke isn’t the only Boka you will find in the ECHL. His brother Nick played four seasons with the University of Michigan and most recently played 20 games with the Cincinnati Cyclones.
Luke Boka is the type of player you would want on your team. Coach Ben Boudreau spoke to the Detroit news saying, “Luke is fearless when it comes to blocking shots and doesn’t mind going into the hard areas of the ice. He finds a way to contribute with a lethal shot in and around the net.”
Luke Boka is a player I am excited to see come back. This will be his third professional season.