In 83 games in gold defenseman Mark Borowiecki cemented himself firmly in the category of one of Smashville's most beloved players. His on ice physicality and willingness to defend his teammates combined with his character and authenticity off the ice endeared him to his second NHL home.
On Sunday the Predators, in Ottawa where Borowiecki and his family live for Monday's game against the Senators, presented him with a special gift — a custom weight bag printed with his career stats from his time with Ottawa and Nashville and the "Hockey Is For Everyone" logo, an initiative that Borowiecki has been a staunch supporter of within the league.
Borowiecki was drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 draft by his hometown team, the Ottawa Senators . He made his NHL debut on January 19, 2012 against the San Jose Sharks and scored his first NHL goal on Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens. Borowiecki played a total of 375 games for the Senators scoring 15 goals and 51 points.
On October 9, 2020 Nashville Predators GM David Poile signed the free agent to a two-year, $4 million contract. Between the modified schedule due to the pandemic and a concussion suffered against the Carolina Hurricanes, Boro played just 22 games that season but very quickly earned the respect of the Predators fan base. In 2021-2022, Borowiecki played 57 games, and on February 15, 2022 he signed a one year deal with the Predators.
On October 22, 2022 the fan favorite was injured after an awkward collision with Morgan Frost in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Borowiecki was briefly unconscious and immediately taken to the hospital where he was discharged later that night. Borowiecki never returned to the lineup for the Predators but did skate with other injured players and became a mentor and source of support and encouragement for his team mates who were recovering from injuries of their own. On May 3, 2023 Borowiecki officially announced his retirement from the NHL after twelve seasons.
David Poile made it clear after Borowiecki's retirement that the former player was someone the franchise had a strong interest in having on staff. On July 2, the Predators announced that Borowiecki had been hired as Pro Development Coach.
Although he isn't physically in the locker room daily with his new role, Borowiecki's name is one often mentioned in talking with the team, especially by the younger players adjusting to the league, learning to manage the mental health challenges of being a professional athlete, and improving their on ice skills. Sunday the team got a chance to thank him for his on and off ice contributions, and Borowiecki was touched by the gift calling it "probably the coolest gift I've ever gotten".
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