Becky Cassidy has witnessed her son, Boston Tait, rise through the ranks of minor hockey with determination and passion. A proud hockey mom for many years, Cassidy recalls when Boston first laced up his skates at three years old. He quickly fell in love with the sport, joining Estevan Minor Hockey as a young player. "We never had to fight him to get his stuff on and get him to the rink. It was something he always wanted to do," Cassidy said.
As Boston grew older, his love for hockey only intensified. He spent hours practicing, shooting pucks daily—even during the summer—in preparation for the Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft. "The year before the WHL Bantam draft, he shot 1,000 pucks a day. He was home all summer, and he just did it because he loved it," Cassidy said. Boston's hard work paid off, and as his work ethic continued to shine, so did his progress on the ice.
Boston was drafted by the Wenatchee Wild in the WHL but chose to play for the Regina Pat Canadians in U18 AAA, a decision that allowed him to continue developing his skills. "Typically, players play U18 AAA for a year or two and then move on to the WHL. But Boston has also been able to play for his hometown team, the Estevan Bruins, which has been a childhood dream," Cassidy said. "He’s been part of the Bruins history for a long time, both as a billet brother and a fan. His stepdad coached the Bruins, and his dad was on the board of directors."
A few weeks ago, Boston had the chance to play for the Estevan Bruins, a moment that filled the family with pride. "It was really a cool full-circle moment for him," Cassidy said. "He was excited and proud to wear the Bruins jersey."
Cassidy takes pride not only in Boston’s on-ice achievements but in the person he has become. "When I hear the coaches say he’s always smiling, a great teammate, and has made such good friends, that’s more important than anything else. He’s happy, he’s thriving, and he’s truly doing what he wants to be doing. As a mom, that’s all I can ask for."
While it’s tough for Cassidy to have her 15-year-old son living in Regina, she’s proud of his accomplishments. "It’s really hard to let your 15-year-old go, but he’s only two hours away, and he’s thriving. At the end of the day, seeing him so happy and fulfilled is the best feeling a mom could have."
Boston’s story is one of hard work, passion, and family support—qualities that are sure to propel him further in his hockey career. As for Cassidy, she’ll continue cheering him on from the stands, proud of the young man he’s becoming both on and off the ice.