Former Vancouver Canucks Forward Signs in Australian Ice Hockey League
Photo credit: CBC
A former member of the Vancouver Canucks organization has taken his talents down under and has signed a contract in the Australian Ice Hockey League for the remainder of the 2025 season.
While the 2024-25 season might be winding down across North America and Europe, in the Southern Hemisphere, specifically Australia, they're just getting their campaign started.
The Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) might not be that well known to fans in North America, but the league is hoping to garner attention internationally and with the recent signing of a former Vancouver Canucks forward & NHLer, it's a step in the right direction.
Former Vancouver Canucks forward David Booth signs in Australia
On Tuesday, the Melbourne Ice of the Australian Ice Hockey League announced that they've signed former National Hockey League forward David Booth to a contract for the remainder of the 2025 campaign.
"Massive signing alert! The Melbourne Ice are proud to announce the addition of former NHL 30-goal scorer David Booth to our 2025 AIHL roster!
Booth brings a wealth of experience and elite skill to the squad, having played 530 NHL games across 11 seasons with the Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings. He tallied 124 goals and 112 assists, including a standout 31-goal season with the Panthers in 2008-09. Known for his speed, intensity, and scoring touch, Booth is set to be a game-changer in the AIHL.
We can't wait to see what he brings to the ice this season - welcome to Melbourne, David!" the Ice said in a post on Instagram.
Booth brings a wealth of experience and elite skill to the squad, having played 530 NHL games across 11 seasons with the Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings. He tallied 124 goals and 112 assists, including a standout 31-goal season with the Panthers in 2008-09. Known for his speed, intensity, and scoring touch, Booth is set to be a game-changer in the AIHL.
We can't wait to see what he brings to the ice this season - welcome to Melbourne, David!" the Ice said in a post on Instagram.
Booth, 40, has spent the last six seasons of his career playing in Europe, aside from taking the 2020-21 campaign off, and in 2024-25, suited up for Hungarian side Ferencvarosi TC who play in Erste Liga, which is comprised of teams from Hungary and Romania.
The Detroit, Michigan native had an great stint with Ferencvarosi TC, appearing in eight regular season games where he tallied 17 points (ten goals, seven assists), along with ten penalty minutes and was a plus-ten.
During Booth's time in the National Hockey League, he played parts of three seasons with the Vancouver Canucks between 2011-12 and 2013-14, putting up 51 points in 134 games.
In a press release on their official website, the Australian Ice Hockey League announced that Booth is expected to arrive in Melbourne on Friday and could suit up for the Ice that night as they face their rivals from the same city, the Mustangs.
If Booth isn't ready to go for Friday's game, then the expectation is he'll be in the lineup for Sunday afternoon's game against the Central Coast Rhinos.
"Booth will arrive in Melbourne on Friday 30th May and will debut either at the derby on Friday night against the Mustangs, or on the Sunday afternoon fixture against the Central Coast Rhinos at the Icehouse." the AIHL said.
The Melbourne Ice currently sit first in the Australian Ice Hockey League standings with seven wins, including six in regulation, through their first nine games of the season.
| POLL | ||
MAI 28 | 856 ANSWERS Former Vancouver Canucks Forward Signs in Australian Ice Hockey League Do you think David Booth will continue playing professionally after his stint in the Australian Ice Hockey League? | ||
| Yes | 184 | 21.5 % |
| No | 672 | 78.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
