Wheat Ridge native Boettiger earns spot between pipes with USA Hockey’s NTDP

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

USA Hockey’s NTDP has had a slew of Colorado natives on its roster over the years.

Harrison Boettiger is the latest, having earned a spot on the U.S. Under-17 Team for the 2023-24 season.

“When I was first offered, I felt amazing and like a dream had been accomplished,” said Boettiger, a 2007-born Wheat Ridge native. “Everyone dreams to represent their country in any way. I have the opportunity to represent mine doing what I love most. Over the next two years, I am expecting to be challenged in every way possible. I know it will be the hardest two years of my life, and for that, I am excited to keep trying to reach my potential.”

Growing up, Boettiger played for the Arvada Hockey Association and Colorado Thunderbirds. He also spent a season in St. Louis before heading to Faribault, Minn., to play at Shattuck-St. Mary’s the past two seasons.

“There are a few coaches I had that were very important to me and my development through Colorado - Corey Wogtech, Justin Biehl, and Karl

Sellan,” Boettiger said. “Justin Biehl introduced me to high-level goaltending coaches, and Corey Wogtech was the high-level goalie coach. Karl Sellan was a great coach and a great person to have around and help me get to where I wanted to be.

“Coming from Shattuck, I have a lot of experience living away from home although I have never had the opportunity to billet. I look forward to the new experiences and being able to meet new friends and family (in Plymouth, Mich.). I decided to make the move to Shattuck as I saw how hard they work here and how important it is to develop, on and off the ice. There is really no place like Shattuck, and it has been a huge part of my life. I could not pick a better place to grow as a person and a goalie.”

Back home in Colorado, Boettiger said he started playing hockey at a young age as a mite at the Apex.

“My dad had always played, so he insisted that I give it a try,” said Boettiger. “From there, I fell in love with the game and every aspect of it.”

As a late 2007 birth year, Boettiger is finishing his freshman year and will be in 10th grade next year.