Back in the day, Sonny the cartoon cuckoo bird went bonkers for Cocoa Puffs cereal (so did I). “I’m cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs!” he’d squawk to the delight of us Baby Boomers.
Well, to borrow from the old TV commercials, I’m cuckoo for Boko. New Penguins left wing Bokondji “Boko” Imama, that is.
Call me a dino. But for years I’ve lamented our lack of toughness. Ever since heavyweight defenseman Erik Gudbranson went the way of the dodo bird (or more accurately the Ducks) via a 2019 trade with Anaheim.
That’s why I was pleased as punch (pun intended) when POHO/GM Kyle Dubas signed Imama to a one-year, two-way deal on July 1, that pays $775K at the NHL level.
Boko’s the real deal, folks. A genuine slugger cast in the Ryan Reaves, Big Georges Laraque mold. With every other Metro team, save Carolina, employing at least one heavy if not two, the Montréal native provides us with a physical option.
Powerfully built at 6’1” and 221 pounds, Imama will take on any and all comers and can go with both hands. As for his fight card, he’s earned a decision over the Rangers’ towering hit man, Matt Rempe. His battle last January with Manitoba’s fast-swinging and equally formidable Tyrel Bauer was regarded by many as the AHL Fight of the Year.
During three big-league cameos he’s challenged the toughest of the tough, including the Devils’ Kurtis MacDermid and Reaves. Although his fight with the latter resulted in a somewhat embarrassing swing, miss and fall following an interminable square off, there’s no denying Boko’s gameness and fistic prowess.
However, there may be more to the 27-year-old’s game than pure mayhem. Imama scored a goal for the Coyotes in only his second NHL game (while receiving only 5:42 of ice time). He tallied nine goals for the Ontario Reign in 31 games in ’19-20…roughly a 20-goal pace for a full season.
As an overage junior in ’16-17, Imama banged home 41 regular-season goals (in 66 games) and eight more in the playoffs to help Saint John capture the Quebec League title.
Okay, so what are the chances of him actually suiting up for the black and gold?
Realistically, slim and none. Boko is in many ways the complete and total anti-Mike Sullivan player, especially since he isn’t shy about stirring the pot. In many ways, Sully’s worst nightmare.
However, you can bet the kids at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will receive plenty of protection (and perhaps extra space) with Imama riding shotgun.
